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THE 



Early Records of Lancaster 



& 



MASSACHUSETTS. 



1643-1725. 



EDITED BY 



HENRY S. NOURSE, A. M. 



The Comisioners apoynted by the genrall Court to order and setle the afaires of Lancaster 
being asembled at John Prescots' house September ye eight 1657 . . . doe Judge meet to order and 

Conclud as foUoweth Alsoe that the Select men talc spesiall care for the pre»eruing and 

safe keeping the townes Records. And If they se it need full, that they procure the same to be 
writen out fairly into a new booke, to be keept for the good of posterity. — Lancaster Record*. 



LANCASTER: 
1884. 



:OTE BY THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION. 



At the adjourned March meeting of the lown of Lancaster, 1883, it 

5 voted " to appropriate five iiundred dollars for publishing some of our 

riiest town records under the direction of the Library Committee ; to be 

red by Henry S. Nourse." 

The committee thus authorized to oversee the publication now pre- 

ed to the town, must not omit to testify here to their conviction of the 

leni ability and fidelity with wiiich iheir associate has completed his 

, and of the greatness of the debt under which the town has been 

it lo him by tliis, as well as by other labors in l!ie same field. They 

ive found that their duty, as aside from his, has devolved ujx>n Ihem 

than a careful reading of his manuscript; while the toil, the 

■e, and the zeal which the matter in hand demanded, and that have 

an spent upon it, have been expended by him : 

"And oil (or love, and nothing for reward." 
.It ■ may not be useless for ihera to remind the town of some of the 
isoue ihai gave rise to llie resolution under which they were appointed. 
; these were the risk of destruction by (ire; the wasting material 
[ the originals; the desirableness of supplying imperfections, as ^ as 
Dsslble, from other sources ; clearing up obscurities by intelligent annola- 
m; and such a multiplication of copies as it may reasonably be hoped 
d expected will be called for. 
They have understood, however, that the work was to be underLiken 
irily, not in the interest of the historiographer, but for the use of the 
iwni for its more ^miliar acquaintance with, and its surer ]>resen'ation 
!^ its own annals. It is from this consideration that the editor has added 
ime notes which he would otherwise have withheld. Nevertheless they 
« well aware that these ■• Early Records" are not confined for edification 
to their own townsmen ; and that any intelligent person of New England 
ttrth may not only behold, as with "ancestral eyes," therein " the doings" 
t described, but, more or less, the causes also which, from without 
IT within, gave the current of events this or that direction ; and see, as in 
, mirror, the operation of the forces that in this country " developed local 
elf government, anil furnish the basis of our political history." 

It gives the committee pleasure, as well for the name as the conven- 
ieoce of so doing, to consign the printing of this book to a local press. 
Lancaster, March, 1884. 



d^ 



LIBRARY COMMITTEE. 

George M. Bartol. William H. McNeil. 

Charles T. Fletcher. N.\thaxiel Thayer. 

Anna H. Whitxey. Herbert Parker. 

Henry S. Nourse. 



. « .• - . ■ 



INTRODUCTION. 



FROM the year 1726 the records of Lancaster become 
continuous, are complete, and in good condition. All 
before that date is fragmentary. The earliest existing vol- 
ume opens with A. D. 1653. in which year the Nashaway 
Plantation was formally given the classic name it now 
bears. The earlier pages of that book, however, are a 
copy, made about 1657, of ihe first records. Of "the old 
book," often referred to therein, no leaf remains, and many 
pages of tlie transcript have disappeared, while others are 
badly worn and almost illegible. During the first seventy- 
five years of the town's life, Ihe inhabitants nearly all held 
proprietary rights in the common lands ; and we find the 
clerks recording indiscriminately, often upon the same 
pages, action of the freemen as electors, of the proprietors 
dividing their landed estate, and of the people directing 
local improvement and church administration. After the 
settlement of Rev. John Prentice in 1708, special church 
records begin, and a register of births, marriages and 
deaths dates from about 1718, in which a few earlier dates 
have been casually inserted. This register is exceedingly 
imperfect. The earliest recorded meeting of the proprie- 
tors, as distinct from the town-meeting proper, was Feb. 
4, 1716, statute provision having been made for such meet- 
ings March 25, 1713- The doings of regular town-meet- 
ings continued, however, to be recorded with proprietary 
action until ^1726, when a new book was opened for the 
former. The proprietors used the old volume until 1810, 
about which time the proprietors' clerk made a careless 
copy o( the whole, by which we know tliat the records 



O INTKOnrCTION. 



wou* tiiosi ill iho same impenVo: c.^nvii::o:i .is at present. 
The i\>v.r.'.HMi land was all iiividod before 1S36. and their 
l.is: !Ov\M\:cJ. r.uvv.nij was held Apnl c, 1S4C. 

r':o Ivok v^t' Lands, dated rrcbab'v ir:rz :he davs of 

4k • • 

• l^t • • • • « 

. \ K * ..; ... ».\' .. ill lv.>.. 1..V v«.^. ...'•. •■..— -,.c ..*&^ L/ccn 

. » .«. ••-, 

«*« * •»»^^".% • •> •• % ••■•••^.••••%» ■♦ •• »k »^ »«• "■•■4 »»• »"«^^ *^ B • 

^ \\"» • ••• • •* ■ • • - 

. % • • • 

• *?*• * • " • 

% ^ » % % ..■• « kV* »>>«KW ••« ^^ « * ••^.•••«. ^. mm mm ^> mm W »^ ft ^ 

^ •• . . .. . ^ •<•..'...•..< •> - ••• I"*- •.■*C * ?<*■?"•< 






« % 



« « «h-» «i^« .»«^ .. > « . ^ -te.-...* M^ 



\ : . 



A 



INTRODUCTION. 



will charge — and justly — that the editor has magnified 
his office by mulliplying comments of his own, he would 
state that, in what he has intruded, he is honestly striving 
only to bring into light something heretofore obscured, or 
to adduce evidence respecting matters in doubt, or to com- 
bat those false impressions about men, localities, and events 
which his experience has found unwarranlablj' rampant 
among us. 

Even though considered — as by too many it will be — 
1 merely a list of the Nashaway pioneers, and a schedule of 
I their landed possessions, this transcript of our forefathers' 
[ records is of especial value : but it has a deeper import. 
I It is Lancaster's modest contribution to the story of the 
growth of human freedom. The planters of Massachu- 
, setts brought with them dogmas of spiritual tjranny, and 
old world political formulas, which proved too inelastic 
when framed into social and civic institutions, for the gov- 
ernment of a restless community facing the deprivation, 
I toil, and dangers of the colonist. Struggles with savage 
1 men and savage nature compelled self dependence, and 
' soil and climate favored liberty of thought and conscience. 
As novel external conditions modified daily life and indi- 
vidual character, political life progressed, and ever towards 
freedom. The process of this progression — so painful and 
slow that the actors were perhaps unconscious of advance — 
' is nowhere more plainly depicted, and nowhere oflers more 
of interest to the student of history, than in the records of 
, our older towns. In the "orderly agitations" of the New 
England town-meeting was cradled the germ of our na- 
I tion's constitutional life. 




N E\>/ GR.A NT -S UKVEy, 1711 

TOV^N LIMIT5 IS83 _ _ _ 
V/ADING PLACES X 



I 




ANNALS 

OF ■ THE 

NASHAWAY PLANTATION. 
1 643- 1 653. 



NASHAWAY, or Nashawog, in the Indiau tongue, 
means the place between, or land in the angle made by 
iwo rivers, and is descriptive of the locality. The pion- 
eers soon attached the name exclusively to the south 
branch of the river, the other branch being known as the 
North River, and the main stream being called the Pene- 
cook. 

The Symonds and King Trucking House. 

Like many another American town, Lancaster finds its 
origin in an Indian trading post. Although no contem- 
porary mention appears of this, the first mercantile enter- 
prise on Lancaster soil, it must have been founded before 
the autumn of 1643. Whether it preceded, or was subse- 
quent to, the purchase of eighty square miles of land from 
Sholan, cannot be told. Both Symonds and King so soon 
disappear from the scene that they have been commonly 
treated in our history as mere real estate dealers, who sold 
their bargain at the first advantageous offer. Is there not 
in the scanty facts which follow, heretofore ignored, some- 
thing that suggests rather trouble, sickness and disappoint- 
ment, than the harvesting of profit? 

Henry Symonds, the senior partner and capitalist of the 



t 



lO ANNALS OF L.\NC.\iTZR. 

Nashaway trading house, planted on ie scuieast slope of 
George hill, was an eaergeuc cidz^n o:" Bc-^iir:- 2nd a iVee- 
man. His name heads :he list cf the s^^cciaies who in 
f 1643 contracted to convert the useless marshes of the cove 

I into a valuable tidal mill piwer. B;.f:re suv of his well 

'. laid plans bore fruit. Symon-ds died. Tl.i^ w:is in Septem- 

ber, 1643. H:s widow, Susannah, in it:44 married Isaac 
i Walker, which perhaps expl:uns -iie presence of Walker's 

I name among the Xashaway proprietors f:r a few years 

thereafter. The junior partner. Thomas King, outlived 
Symonds little more than a year. c;in ^ Decen:ber 3. 1644. 
He was a young man. probably under thirty years of age, 
ii\"ith a ^^'i{e Marj- and t^vo young children- Mary and 
• Thomas, and lived in Watertown. His invenu:>r\'. found 

in the Suffolk Registry-, sums but 1 5 >- 3- including a 
dwelling-house, bam. and four acres of land in Watertown, 
and 74-'- 7^"- of debts due him. He was therefore a poor 
man at his decease, and nothing in the brief list 01 his assets 
gives e\-idence of commercial gain at Xashaway. save the 
item among the debts due. "iS- of the Indyans." Rever- 
end Timothv Harrincrion asserts that Kinsr sold all his 
interest here to the company- John Cowdall was soon 
after in possession of the trucking house lot, which he sold 
to John Prescott, October 5, 1647. King's \%-idow, if 
we may trust the record, on March 9, 1645. married James 
Cutler, whose name the same year appeared among the 
Xashaway proprietors. 

1^3. Others of the same town [Watertown^ V-egan also a plantation 
at Nashavav some nfteen miles N. \V. from Sudbur.-. . . . 

Joha Wiaihrop's H:*:or> c: Nsw Ezgljci. U, 15a:] 

7'^of x-rr-onthi643 4. . . . At this CounCutshan:e>;u:n and Squaw 
Sa-ir.*:n. Masconoaoco. Nashacowam and Wassania^o's :wo sachems near 
th* zrca: hii: :o rhe west called Warehasset. came ir.:o :ne court and ac- 
cord: r.z :o :he:r firmer tecder ;o the Governour desired to be received 
-- itr :ir pr:.:ec::cn and govenimen: ur-on the same terms that Pumham 
izd h-'^-zi-.z were: So we causing them to ucder>raad the articles, 
zd HI th* z^z. Co=;z:ax:dments of God, and they freely assenting to all. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. n 



they were solemnly received and then presented the court 26 fathom more 
of wampom, and the Court gave each of them a coat of two yards of cloth, 
and their dinner, and to them and their men every of them a cup of sack 
at their departure. So they took leave and went away very joyful. 

Qohn Winthrop's History of New England, II, 189.] 

1644 Wassamequin, Nashoonon, Kutchamaquin, Massaconomet and 
Squaw Sachem did voluntarily submit themselves to us : as appears by 

their covenant subscribed with their own hands 

[Daniel Gookin's History of the Christian Indians.] 

Nashacowam and Nkshoonon arc aliases of the Nashaway sachem usually called 
Sholan or Showanon. Wasamegin was sachem at Quaboag [Brookfield], Warehasset 
is John Winthrop's orthography of Wachusett, which in the Indian tongue was Wad- 
chu-sett, "the great hilU" 

May 1644. Many of VVatertown and other towns joined in the planta- 
tion at Nashaway, and having called a young man, an university scholar, 
one Mr Norcross to be their Minister, seven of them who were no members 
of any churches were desirous to gather into a church estate : but the 
magistrates and elders advised them first to go and build them habitations 
&c (for there was yet no house there) and then to take some that were 
members of other churches, with the consent of such churches, as for- 
merly had been done and so proceed orderly. But the persons interested 
in the plantation being most of them poor men. and some of them corrupt 
in judgment, and others profane, it went on very slowly, so that in two 
years they had not three houses built there and he whom they had called 
to be their minister left them for their delays. 

[John Winthrop's History of New England, II, 161.] 

29*^ May 1644. The petition of Mr. Natha: Norcrosse, Rob*^ Childe, 

Stephen Day, John Fisher &c. for a plantation at Nashawake, is granted : 

pvided that there shall not be more land allotted to the towne or pticular 

men (notw*''standing their purchase of land of the Indians) then the 

Gen''all Co''t shall alowe . 

[Massachusetts Records.] 

Robert Child's prominence in the company was perhaps 
Nashaway's first misfortune. He was of Watertown, com- 
ing thither from Northfleet, Kent County, England. He 
had received the degree of A. M., in 1635, at Corpus 
Christi College, Cambridge, and the degree of M. D. at 
Padua. Gifted with great mental force, he held ideas of 
man and nature in advance of the age, and was ambitious 
to become a leader among the people. We shall probably 



12 ANNALS OF L/\NCASTER, 

not be far wrong in ascribiog the inspiration of this west- 
ward movement from Waterlown, not alone to the prover- 
bial Saxon greed of land, but partly to Doctor Child's 
sanguine expectation of mineral wealth to be discovered 
in the western hills, and the acceptance of his libera] I 
theories by congenial spirits. It is noteworthy that of the ] 
chief men in the enterprise more than half, namely; Pres- 1 
cott. Day, Garret, Hill and Jenkes, were workers in iron. [ 
Little aid or sympathy could be hoped for by the company I 
from magislrates or ecclesiaslics, while it remained under ] 
the influence of one who was esteemed by them a factious I 
schismatic. A few months later Doctor Child's petition for J 
the enlargement of political and religious privilege, just I 
and moderate as it now seems, so roused the ire of the | 
Massachusetts theocracy that he was compelled to seek I 
safely from his intolerant persecutors by flight across the | 

Nathaniel Norcross received the degree of A. B. at 
Catherine Hall College, Cambridge, 1636-7. He very 1 
soon abandoned the company of which he was only the 
available clerical figurehead. The cause assigned for his 
defection by John Winthrop, quoted on the preceding page, 
differs radically from that set down by Reverend Timothy 
Harrington one hundred years later. The former may '. 
record the excuse of the deserter ; the latter, the tradidon f 
of a belief that had justified itself to the deserted. Mr. ' 
Norcross neither here, nor afterwards in England appar- 
ently, gave sign that he had in him the stuff of which , 
apostles or martyrs are made, and even vexatious delays 
were not an unalloyed misfortune that put Joseph Rowland- 
son in his place. 

1645. The humble petiio of the Company Intended to plat at Nastn- I 
way 11 June tfi4S. 

To the right Worp" Tho. Dudley Esq' Gou'nour and the rest of the 
Magistrates and deputyes now Assembled in the Generall Court at Boston. 
W petitioners, whose names are Vnderwritten Humbly Sheweth vnto yo* I 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 



13 



Worp* y" wheras wee haue formerly received favour froin this Court in 
haueing Liberty granted vs to plant att a place called Nashaway some 16 
inylcs bevond Sudbery. Wee the sayd peiitioners doe find ilt an vtter 
Impossibilitye to proceede forwaids to plante at the place aboue sayd ex- 
[lept wee haue a conueaieni way made for the Iraosportation of our Catiell 
and goods ouer Sudbery River and Marsh. Now although Sudhery men 
haue bigun to sell vpp a Bridge ouer the Riuer yett the worke is now decisl- 
cd. And the bridgeleftallOgethervDusefull, and the marsh DOW way mended, 
soe that wee caunot passe to the plantation abouesd without exposing our 
persons to peril) and our cattell and goods to tosse and spoyie ; as yo'' 
petitioners are nble 10 maJte prooffe of by sad experience of what wee suf- 
fered there within these few dayes, Yo' petitioners haue'beene & are much 
damnifyed by the badnesse of the way at tins place : for many of vs haue 
beene dependant on this worke aboue these two yeares past, much tyme 
and meanes haue beene spent in discouering the plantation and prauiding 
for our setlinge there. And now the Lord by his prouidence hath gone 
on thus farre with the worke that diuers of us have covenanted to sitt 
downe together And to Improue ourselues there this summer that wee 
may liue there the wynter next Insueing if God pcrmitt. But vnlesse 
some S|)eedy course bee taken yl wee haue a way made for the transplant- 
ing ourselues. catiell and goods we may perish (here for want of Reliefe, 
not being able to prooide for our subsistance there this wynter. Vnlesse 
wee expose ourselues and goods to the pcrlll and spoyie as abouesayd. 
Yo' petitioners doe therefore humbly Beseech yo' Worships that as you 
hatie beene pleased lo Countenance our beginnings, soe you would please 
to order that a eonueniant way bee made at the place aforsd for trans- 
portinge our persones caltell & goods, that the worke of God there begun 
may further proceede ant! wee haue Incouragement to carry on the worke 
else our tyme, meanes and labour hitherto expended will be lost. But if 
o further our proceedings herein yo' petitioners shall euer 



yo' worp' plea 
pray &c. 



Nathaniel Nor cross e 
John Phescot 
Stephen Dave 
Harman Garkett 
Thomas Scidmorf. 
John Hill 

ISAACK WAKER 

John Cowball 
Joseph Jeniu:s 



The above petition is in Massachusetts Archives cxxi, 5. 
The names were signed by the same hand that wrote the 
reatof the document, probably that of the minister, Nathan- 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



iel Norcross. Endorsed upon it is this action of General 
Court: 

The magistraf thiolc fitt that 30'" should be allowed to the tonne of 
Sinlbur)-e towarde the finishing of tlieir bridge & waye at the enile of it to 
be payd them when they shall haue made the way passable for loaden 
horse — , & desire the concurrence of the deputyes herein. 

Jo. WiNTHROP DtGo: 
The bouse of Deptyes doe concurr with o' honnored itiagisf herein so 
it he doune n'Wa a Iwelue moathe. 

Edward Rawson 

The mention of "sad experience " in the petition, ts ex- 
plained by the following "special providence" narrated by 
Winthrop in his "History of New England," 11, 306: 



horse & his lading in 
1 being upon another 



Prescott another favourer of the petitioners lost : 
Sudbury River, and a week after his wife and childri 
horse were hardly saved from drowning. 



That the dangers and difficulties of this crossing were 
not overrated by these pioneers, Is proven not only by the 
above stated facts, but because one hundred years later 
the bridge and causeway — " half a mile long " — were com- 
plained of as dangerous, and in floods imfassabh. Trav- 
ellers were obliged to make long detours to avoid It, and 
in 1759 and 1761, lotteries were granted for its improve- 
ment, the proceeds of which, amounting to 1227', were 
expended upon it. It is not surprising that the twenty 
pounds allowed in 1645 proved an insufficient inducement 
to the Sudbury men for the completion of the bridge. The 
deputy governor and magistrates had no sympathy to ex- 
pend upon the troubles of a company wherein Robert 
Child, or any of his favorers, had an interest. Therefore 
they permitted the Sudbury marsh to remain a lion in the 
path to the Nashaway Plantation, and this was one cause 
of the delays which not only, as John Winthrop records in 
the passage quoted, drove the lirst minister from the enter- 
prise, but also disheartened every member of the copart- 




J 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- lyas- 



nership, save their stalwart leader, John Prescott, whom 
neither Sudbury marsh nor deputy governor could daunt. 

The i' of 8''' month 45. To the honored Gou'no'' w"" the Rest of the 
' Magistrates and Deputes sow Asembled at Boston . the Humble petition 
I of the undertakers for the plantation of Nashawaye : 

Whereas wee perceive there is some of the men excepted Agaynst y' 
weere presented to this honoured Court in our petition yesterday; we 
humbly desire to present these men whose names are underwritten for the 
worke mentioned in that petition, in they Roomes that are Excepted 
Against, humbly Intrealing this honored Court that you will please to 
depute all or p' of these men for the worke there mentioned ; and the 
whole company shall ever pray. 

John Hill Isaac Waker Samuel Bitfield 

Semt John Davis James Cutler Mathew Barnes 
John Chandler Thomas Skidmore 

The petition of the day before, above referred to, has 
not been fotind. As John Prescott's and Stephen Day's 
names are omitted in this list, they were probably '* excepted 
agaynst." This petition is from Massachusetts Archives, 
cxii, 16. and is endorsed thus : 

The magistrates are willing that Jo : Hill, Serient Jo : Davis Jo : Chand- 
ler Isaake Walker, Sam" BltHeld. and Mathew Barnes or any 3 of Ihem 
■hall haue power to sett out Lotts to all llie Planters belonging to the sd 
Plantation — Frouided they sett not Iheir houses too far asunder & the 
greater Lotts to be proportionable lo mens estate & charges, and that no 
man shall haue his Lott confirmed to him before he hath taken the Oath 
of Fidelity before some magistrate — and desire the consent of the Depu- 
ties herein. Jo : WlJruROP D : Go : 
Consented to by ye deputies Euw, Rawson. 

Capt. Pellam, Left Wil lard & Segnl. Wheeler are appointed Commis- 
sioners for this Courtc to lay out ye planters of Nash.iway such propor- 
tions of land as they sliall judge fitting for their present occasions Si not 
pivjudiciall to them y' hereafter may desire to silt downe there. Ve Dep- 
utys desire ye magist* consent hereto. Edward Rawson 



"SamliBirfiL-li 
word provided' "They shall 



so tht paragraph aildf d hy ihe deputies appoint- 
luse, which had been inserted al firsl after Ihe 
Lit aluuE six acres ig any firsl Loll." 



1 1"" Nov. 1647. Whereas ye Corte hath form'ly granted a plantation al 
Nashaway vnlo Jno. Chanl', Isa,- Walk'. Jno. Davies. Jno Hill, & Math : 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



Si yt Jno. Hill h dead, Jno. Chanl'. Isaac Walk' & Jno. Daviei 
have signified unto ye Corte yt since y' said grauiit they have actc^ 



nothing as undtak" y' 
request to ye Cone to take 
ingness to be engaged y'i 
said plantation, but raih' i 
upon it are so few & 
pcure oth", & in ye ineane time to 
y* planting & ord'ing of it. 



lajd out any lands. & furth', have 
ye said graunt, manifesting their ntt' u 
ye Co'te doth not thinke fit to destroy j 
incurage it. ooely in regard y'' psons r 
worke care to be taken t 
ye Co'ls pow to dispose a 



[ Massachuselts Reconli.] 



Il"' Nov. 1647. Towne Marks agreed by ye General Co'lc for t 
Sec ... . ordered to be set upon one of ye nere qts. X Nashaway j 
[ Massac liuseils Records.] 

1648. Showanon the great sachym of Nasiiaway doth embrace the G 
pel & pray unto God. I have been foure times there this Summer, : 
there be more people by ^r then be amongst us, and sundry of tlietn d 
gladly hear the word of God, but it is neer 40 miles off and 1 ca 
dom goe to them ; whereat they are troubled and desire 1 should c 
oftener, and slay longer when I come. 

[John Eliol's Idler in Edvind Winsbw's"'l*lie Glorious IVogress of tlie 
nmongal Ibe Indians in New England."] 

1648, This year a new way was found out to Connecticut by Nasbtu 
which avoided much of the hill way. 

[John Winlhrop"i History of New lingland, ii, 315.] 



1649. I h.id, and still have a great desire to go to a great fishing plac 
Namaske upon Merimak; and because the Indian way lyeth beyond t 
great River which we cannot passe with our horses, nor can wc well go t 
it on this side the river unless we go by Nashaway which is about and b 
way unbeaten, the Indians not using that way : 1 therefore hired a 
man of Nashaway to beat out a way and to mark trees so that he dUH 
Pilot me thither in the spring, and he hired Indians with him and did ttJ 
and in the way passed through a great people called Sowahagen Indiai 
some of which had heard me at Pautucket and at Nashaway . 
There is another aged Sachem at Quabogud three score miles Westward,! 
and he doth greatly de.sire that I would come thither and teach them a 
' live there, and 1 made a journey thither this summer, and I went by Nisb^ 
away; but it so fell out that there were some stirres betwixt the Hat 
sit and Monahei;an Indians, some murder committed &c, which made 
church doubtful at first of my going, which when the Nashaway Sachei 
heard, he commanded twenty armed men (after their manner) to be readjrJ 
and himself with these twenty men; besides sundry of our neer lodiansi 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1723- 



went along willi me lo guard me, but I took some English along with n 
]. So that hereby their good afTection is manifested to me and to tl 
, work 1 have in hand. 

[John Eliol's IcHet in "A funlicr Discovery of ihe prtseni stale of the Indians."] 



W Amoskeag^ 



-hard> ni 



Namaake 
I wai John Prcscoti, who aJso was the di 

as\y noted. Qudo^d, i. e. Quabaag, now firooklield. 



of Nashaway" 



all 
far a 



mentioned is not 

mayntayned there. 

n of this Court, 

I be capable 10 anaw 

iahabi tinge there 



9 1650. Whereas John Prescot Sl others, the inhabitants of 

I pfered a petition to this Courte desirejnge power to reeouer 

charges of all such as had land there, not residinge w"> them, 

Twhereunto this Court, understandinge that the place before 

fit to make a planution. (so a ministry lo be erected & 

) which if the petitioners, before ihe end of Ihe next aes- 

shall not sufficiently make the sajd place appeare to 

ver the enda above mentioned dolh order that the pties 

sbalbe called there hence, & suffred to live without the 



[MassachuseNs Reco 



[5.] 



1650 . . . That whereas at my first preaching at Nashaway sundry did 
I imbrace tlie word, and called upon God, and Pauwauing was wholly silenced 

ing them all : yet now partly being forty miles of, and principally by 
, llle slow progresse of this work, Sathan hath so emboldened the Pauwau- 
\ ees thai this winter (as I learn to my grief) there hath been Pauwauing 
' again with some of them. 

[John Eliol in "A funher Discovery of the present stale ol the Indians."] 

1651. Declaration of Elizabeth the wife of John Hall of Nashaway 
' against George Whaley of Cambridge. [MS. torrtl Sheweth vnlo this hon- 
ored Court that about foure monelhs since George [Whaley] Steuen Day 
I & Samuell Rayner of Cambridge were at Nashaway and \AfS. Uirn] the 
I house of John Prescott there fell out a discourse belweene John Prescott Sc 
I Steuen Day in w""' discourse John Prescott did speake against John & 
s wife Steuen Day did vindicate the cause of Goodwife Hall in her ab- 
^nce against John Prescott till at length George Whaley bade Steuen Day 
I that he should not goe about lo justify the woman for Whaley [MS. torn'] 
that when S' Phillips came from Nashaway he came into the buttery at the 
I Collese in Cambridge where the said George Whaley demanded of Sr, 
I PUIlips how all their friends at Nashaway did. to w"'' S' Phillips answered 
I they were all well. Mr Whaley further demanded how he liked Ihe place, 
inswered uery well, it is a desirable place as any was in the country 
^ as he conceaved. Mr Whaley further asked how he liked the people, he 
[ answered he liked them uery well only there were some that held this 
E (^ioa, that all things were common & said he came one morninge to 



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n:* 






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TTJ4 L 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 19 

damnable opinion ; yea indeed (shee said) I have knowne sad effects come 
of it, and in further discourse hee said shee said shee kept one in her 
house which was of that opinion. John Prescott 

Attested uppon oath by John Prescot in Court The mark X of 

Th . Danforth Record^ Mary Prescot 

The Testimony of Richard Smith & Lawrence Waters concerning the 
speeches of George Whaley against hall. 

Cominge to Mr Whaley in the next morninge after the relation of 
Steuen day at goodwife halls the said Smith & Waters desired to speake 
with Mr Whaley, he bade them take heed how they did speake any 
thing for the woman, yet promised to speake with her after breakefast at 
w«*» time, Steuen day beinge allsoe present goodwife hall demanded of Mr 
Whaley what he had against her, to w«'^ Mr Whaley made this answer 
that S*^ Phillips in the buttery at the College in Cambridge cominge into 
the buttery answered to him as followeth . Mr Whaley demanded first how 
did all freinds at Nashaway. S*". Phillips answered they are well. Whaley 
further demanded how he liked the place, he answered very well, it was a 
desirable place as any was in the country, as he conceived . Mr Whaley 
further demanded how he liked the people, he answered he liked them 
well only there was some that held this opinion that all thinges were com- 
mon, Mr Whaley demanded who they were, he answered John HalPs wife. 

The Testimony of Samuel Raner is that he heard Lieft. George Whaley 

say y' S' Phillips told him y* Goodwife Hall asked whether all things were 

coinon. Attested uppon oath in Court. 

Tho Danforth Rec. 

The Testimony of Stephen Day is that he heard Lieft George Whaley 
say y' he received by report of S' Phillips that Goodwife Hall had pro- 
posed a question of this import whether all things W common. Attested 



The foregoing documents in the case of Elizabeth, wife 
of John Hall, vs. Lieut. George Whaley, for slander, are 
in the Court files of Middlesex County. Lawrence Waters 
had sold his first house-lot of about seventeen acres, and 
the house upon it, to John Hall. Elizabeth Hall was living 
there, while her husband at this time was in England. He 
soon sent for her to come to him, and the estate was sold 
to Richard Smith. The suit against Whaley never came 
to judgment. 






_f:nr :-:*■» cot 



:,:Ti.~i vt riSTt 
.i,fi tiv-i tit: 



: :? sever 



'fare 



MA SSACHUSETTS. 1643-1625. 



finally laid out to him "(« the night -pasUtre, -within that 
\ ycnce that was formerly sett up by the copartners." A 

night pasture was the public institution preceding nearly all 
' others, in the planting of a New England town. That of 

Boston was established in 1634 by the following order : 
' "Item : That there shalbe a little house built, and a suffi- 
[ ciently payled yard to lodge the Cattell in of nights att 
I Pullen poynt necke." We rind the name in Boston records 
[ even as late as 1699. attaching to a field at Rumney Marsh, 
f The "night pasture" of Roxbury has frequent mention in 
f the land records, while Concord, Groton, and other towns 
[ of early origin, afford in their annals abundant proof that 
[ the custom was universally observed, of driving the common 
I herd afield daily during the season of forage, under the 

care of children and keepers. Strict rules were formally 

adopted by the towns for the guidance of proprietors and 
I herdsmen. In Watertown the enclosure was called the 

" cow pen " or " wolf pen," and this latter name is suggest- 
' ive of a reason other than convenience, for the ancient 

usage. In 1634, Nathaniel Ward, in "New England's 
[ Prospect," says " a few posts and rayles keepes 

out the Wolves & keepes in the cattle." Wolves were to 
V the pioneer of New England the most troublesome of all 
[ wild beasts, being too cunning to be trapped, too cowardly 
I to come within reach of the gun, and fearfully destiuctive 
f in their midnight forays upon the unhoused stock. It was 
IsooQ found out, it would seem, that to the wolfish sagacity 
I a fence was an impenetrable mystery. 

1652. Reverend Timothy Harrington, in "A Century 
i Sermon." states that the pedtion of the nine families of the 
I Nashaway settlement for township rights was dated May 
18. 1653. We now know that it was the year previous, and 
I although that pedtion can be nowhere discovered, the 
I action of the General Court upon it in 1652 is duly recorded, 
t with subsequent amendments. 



:;- :_ T . 



JC zz^: -;:.:-- 



.J -•%«. ■ - • —J 



»:. . 












• » . « . k «■ 



Sw*. :r»^r 



• • fc ■« ■ I 



^ ^ ^ V«- ■ * . • , . 

it N.->: .-..».•.. >:... • . , ■ 
|uss iv'^ \ ::/ •■ >. ■ ■: 



-^-.'1 r- 3 — z^z zi:izs :: Nash- 

-■"- - ~ IT ij: :-_--tti-tt r T as order 

.__ .: :^:_* 1- i::*:zz z faaailyes, 
■ - -■ I : ■ c T — yiTL-t :z*r»- some 
r...- . ::-:.-: r^ : - ^: ;- i graunt 

.: -r.-i— - .: -:e :i!iir:iiz:s. doc 

- :.■- -:_:^r :: i i«-ie of the 

:" - :- -^- ^ -•■.•tr :: be center, 

.= ^ . ;- z^"" -> ":."r^ ";"*> wttst: & 

: - :s: -J--Z ■ -t< erresded & 



. - — •. » r 



. > . 



■ — • - 



y 



4 « «■ • 



c'.\ ]"■».».■■.. ^ . 

an)onc>. :hi*". .\ .» ^\. ^. x . . . 
h.uic lo::> OvV. ?.:."... . •.::>,..• ■> .v, .-: 

ii'> 1* ••» *'"-•'■ ■•'■«\ ..•*...: 

ncTs in 'Aw \\.\:\::.::r\\ »*: N/.> • ■. . . ■ 

in lotls ilu*u\ ^\ v*:x'.i*: .^: :.-. > v . . 

Ii.iiio !u*!pi*i! oil tlu- «o'.Ni* :!u"** . .* '■. . ".■ 
to y iiiinistiMV. oi :\\ \\w wvc'w^s , " : 

V > ft 

lickc! wiuki' lli.it siuli j'sous .i:v- ;.» . \' v.*. 



Z^'.tj. Thomas 
r-y :: :-*ai whereof 
.izz^il'. zztn ox the 
L:r=r> :^ cue ppor- 
^. -i* T-::II it shall 
:-i T-.:- i:!e men as 
.'-r :r a tovrnshipp 

::z.-ri inhabitants 
jjzrmic :o them, 

- :ir:n? bounds to 

: i ::.iTzt w'lhin the 
. >s J. :r->:able. 

- ■. ' 't Ti-ivntavncd 
f "T.^eilfa in judg- 
i>: :.-.rn3. & none to 
ii . . • ■ 

: .izriJLkcrs & copart- 
. :vxi of theire clayme 
' ^.^r.s oi them who 
-. --.:: v.'^f the place, & 

-.er :r. contributinge 
? ;: ::: any other pub- 
-. :he lowne, either in 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 23 

pportion of land or some other way of satisfaction, as may be just & 
meete, pvided such psons doe make such theire expences clearly appeare 
in six moneths. 

Here the action of the Court naturally closed, and the 
usual sequence of the concurrence of magistrates and ex- 
ecutive would be expected. But no ! Some one, whether 
magistrate or one higher in authority is beyond our finding, 
seems to have bethought himself that not even a Governor 
of the Colony had been so much honored as to have a town 
named for him, and objected to thus dignifying the busy 
blacksmith of Nashaway, who was not only no freeman, 
but had once seemed to sympathize with Dr. Child's criti- 
cisms of the colonial system of taxation without representa- 
tion. Amendment was carried as follows, ignoring the 
inhabitants' request : 

This Court, takeing the condition of Nashaway into further considera- 
tion doe order, that it shalbe called henceforth West Towne, & doe 
further confirme there graunt of 8 miles square which was formerly 
graunted them, which will encourage many to plant there. 

This meaningless substitute for a name was doubtless 
not kindly received by those who had expected one eupho- 
nious, significant, and of their own choosing. Another 
petition met the next general court, of which we know 
only the answer, dated May 18, 1653. 

In answer to another petition from the inhabitants of Nashaway for 
settling of theire graunt, this Court doth order the plantation at Nasha- 
way to center, as in the Court order of May 52 (which is the foregoing 
order,) and to be layd out in pportion to eyght miles sqare, & that the 
seueral pticulers being in number nyne, be confirmed to them, save in the 
close of the 2^ article about the name of the towne, that the name of it 
be henceforth called Lancaster, & in the sixth article that Sudbury & 
Lancaster lay out high wayes according to y* Court order, for the Countryes 
vse & them repayre as need shalbe, & that instead of six moneths ex- 
pressed in the close of the q*** article, such psons to haue twelue moneths 
from the end of this session for such demaundes : and that the intrest of 
Harmon Garrett & such others as were first vndertakers or haue ben at 
great charges there, shalbe made good to him, them or his or theire heirs 



24 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



in all theire allottments as to other theire inhabitants in pportion to charges 
expended by him and such others aforesd, pvided they make improue- 
ments of such allottments, by buildinge & plantinge, within three yeares 
after they are or shalbe layd out to them, otherwise theire intrests hereby 
pvided for to be voyd, & all such lands so hereby resented to be at the 
towns dispose. 

1653. At a county court held at Cambridge the 5. 2 mo 1653. This 
Court doth order that the Inhabitants of Nashaway Plantation at or before 
the 20*** of this p'^nt month do send downe one able man to be swome be- 
fore some magistrate, for the constable of there plantaSon. 

[Middlesex Court Records.] 



^<i^ l^fi^j, ^aific /^tlK t'xS^yi^ 







LANCASTER, MASSACHUSETTS. 



THE so called act of incorporation of Lancaster, dated 
May r8. 1653, as copied by Master John Tinker, forms 
the first page of the town's records. The leaf is badly 
torn, and many words have crumbled away. It has slight 
verbal ditVercnces from the original in the records of the 
general court, and from an official copy by Secretary Ed- 
ward Rawson, in Massachusetts Archives, cxii, S4~55' 

COPPIE OF THE COURTS GRANT. 
[ a Gen'" Couri of Election held at Boston the 18"' of May 1653. 
In answer lo the Peiicon of the Inhabitants of Nashaway the Court 
finds according 10 a former order of the Gen'" Court in Anno 1647 no 6: 
That the ordering and diaposeing of the Plantation at Nashaway is 
.wholly in the Courts power 

Considering that there is allredy at Nashaway about nine ffamilies 
and that severall both freemen and others intend to goe and setle there 
wliereof are named in this Petition the Court doth Grant (hem the 
Lie of a. Towneshipp and orders that hensforth it shall be called Lan- 

That the Bounds thereof shall be sett out according to a deedc of 
the Indian Sagamore, viz. Nashaway Riuer at the passing oner to be the 
Center, fiue miles North fiue miles south tiue miles east and three miles 
west by such Comissioners as the Courte shall appoint to see theis Lines 
.extended and their bounds limilled 

That Edward Breck, Nath^niell Hadlocke, William Kerley, Thomas 
Sayer, John Prescot and Ralph Houghton, or any foure of them, whereof 
laior Parte to be freemen to be for present the prudential! men of the 
isaid Towne both to see all allottments to be laid out to the Planters in 



26 AXS.ILS OF L.\NrA5TER. 

due projortioa W ;be;re ess:» ir^ iT -^^ ;;■ if i-tr :tbir 
vnlill it shall A>_:eir» w ij C;v^ --.»: -J:* ?-i.:t :< 
able men as the Ci^n z:iv .'.idg =tt:. 
Towiubi;'^ accorid:^^ to LA>e. 

5. That ali mia Persor.* ■iie 'ii.e zciam^i izi ~:=d=::ed Ichabi- 
laati frf Xasnaway shaU hist th*!' Liri fjr^tKy Liii ;i: co^nrraed to 
them provided ther tale :r.e oath of £iell:::« 

6. That Sudber/aad Lar-cajier L /.■;■:: IiL^r.Tiilti ■■*r>rii;Towne and 
Towne according to order of C«;r: fir :hi Cii;="_-:ei vse ji--' ien repaire 
them as ncede shalbe 

7. The Court Orders Tha: Laa:a-:-r shiU be rated »^-in the County 
of Midlcsex and the Tosrae hith Liberty •.■^ ch'j-jie a CorjnshU. 

a. That the [nhabiana of Lacci-^ter d-:< take care t^iat a godJy min- 
e»ter may be maintained amoogit ther.i asd [hit q> en!: persons Enemies 
to the Laires of this CoiSonwcalth in Judgment or Pracdre be Admitted 
as Inhabitants amongst (hem and none 10 hauc Lotts Coanmed but such 
as Uke the oatbe of fidelH'.ie 

9. That alllhough the first L'ndertjliers and partners in the Plantacon 
vf Nashaway are wholy Lvacuated 01 theire Clairnes in Lot:s ;here bv order 
of this Courte yet that such persons cI them whoe hjue E:(pended either 
Charge or Labor for the Beaetitt of the pUce and hjue helpped on the Pub- 
like workes there from time to time either in CoDtrihuting to the minestrie 
or in the PurchaM from the Indians or any other Pubiike worke. that sncb 
persons are 10 l>e Considered by the Towne either in proportion of Land 
or some other way of satisfaction as ma;- be /u.-.t and mecte. Provided 
such I'trsons do make such iheireexpc.icesCIeerly Aypeare within Twelue 
moncthes after the end of this Sessior.s for such demandes and that the 
Interest of Harmon (Inrrett and such others as were lirsi vndertakers or 
h»uu bin at Great Charges there shalbe made good to him them his or 
thcire heires in all AlluttmenLsas tooiher the Inhabitants in proportion to 
the Charges ex[>ended l>y him and such others aforesaid. Provided 
they make Improuem' of such Allotnif by building and Planting w'Mn 
three ycarcs after ihey are or shalbe Laid out to Ihum, otherwise theire 
InlereHl hereby Provided for to bee vo.de, And all such Lands soe hereby 
Kescrved to be thcncforth at the Towjits Dispose : In further Answer to 
this Peticon the Court .ludgcth it mceie to (.'onliriii the aboue mentioned 
Nine jierticiilerh to the Inhabitants of Lancaster, and order that the bounds 
thereuf be Laid out in proportion to eight miles square. 

KoUowinft lliis, by the samt; hand, were nineteen nutn- 
hi;r(;(i pagtiH, of which only the last twelve are now extant. 
It will be noticl:d tliat in dates the name of the month is 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 27 

sometimes found. After Governor John Winthrop's time 
this new method began to be observed by some, but usually 
the heathen names of months and days were carefully 
avoided, and the ordinals used, March being the first 
month. 

OF THE COVEN^; ChURCH LaND ; MEETING HOUSE, LOTTS 10'*: &C : 

1653 18 : 8 m®. The bond to binde all comers. Memorandum, That 
wee whose Names are subscribed, vppon the Receiueing and accept- 
anc of our several! Lands, and Allottments w^*» all Appurtinances 
therebf,. from those men who are Chosen by the Generall Court to 
Lay out and dispose of the Lands within the Towne of Lanchaster 
heertofore Called by the name of Nashaway doe hereby Covenant & 
binde ourselues our heires Execut™ & Assignes to the observing and 
keepeing of these orders and Agreements hereafter mentioned and Ex- 
pressed. 

Church Lands, ffirst ffor the maintainanc of the minestree of Gods 
holy word wee doe Allowe Covenant and Agree that there be laid out 
Stated and established, and we doe hereby estate and establish as Church 
Land with all the priuilledges and Appurtinances therevnto belonging for 
ever, thirty acors of yppland and fortie acors of Entervale Land and 
twelue acors of meddowe with free Libertie of Commons for Pasture and 
fire wood, The said Lands to be improved by the Plantation or otherwise 
in such order as shalbe best Advised and Concluded by the Plantation 
without Rent paying for the same, vntill the Labours of the Planters or 
those that doe improue the same, be ffully sattisfied. And wee doe agree 
that the Plantation or Sellect men shall determine the time, how Longe 
every man shall hold and Improue the said Lands for the proffit thereof. 
And then to be Rented according to the yearly vallue thereof and paid in 
to such persons as the Plantation or Sellectmen shall Appoynt to and for 
the vse of and towards the maintainanc of the minester Pastor or Teacher 
for the time being, or whomesoever may bee stated to preach the word of 
God among vs: or it may be in the Choyce of the minester to Improue 
the said Lands himselfe. 

Meeting house. And ffurther wee doe Covenant and Agree to build a 
Convenient meeting house for the Publique Assembling of the Church 
and People of God, to worshipp God according to his holy ordinances in 
the most eaquall and Convenient place that may be Advized and Concluded 
by the Plantation. 

Mifiisters house. And to Build a house for the Minester vppon the 
said Church Land. 



And ffurtbcr «rc 
his h circs Exec- 
mi neslree aboue- 
. Coa&ideracoa of 
Engaged for the 
Competent n 
vppon o' Gootls, 
and order as tbi 
lioe^ter the main- 
abouemen tioned , 
scoote to be ai 
the Plan- 



^ 
^ 



a8 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 

Jiaiue totts to pay w p amm to Uu miiutUr. 
doe Engage and Covenant every one lor himselie 
ators Sl Assignes to pay to and for the vse of the 
said the sume of ten shillin£5 a yeare as for and in 
o' borne Lotts yearly for ever, our home Lott.' to stand 
payment thereof, and what all (his shall fall shon of a 
ttnance we Covenant to make vpp by an e<]uall Rate 
and Other Improved Lands (not home lots) in such way 
Country rate is Raised, And in case of vacaasy of a n 
tainaoc Ariseing from the Church Land and home Lotts 
sbalbe paid lo such as shalbe Appoynted, for the use 
a sIocl( : or as slock towards the maintainanc of the 
laiioa or Sellect men shall think meetest. 

To build Inhabit &'c in a year or looie all and pay 5: ^ And for tlie 
better Promoteing and seting forward of the Plantatioa wee Covenant and 
Agree, Thai such person or persons ol vs who baue not Inhabited this 
Plantation heretofore and are yell lo come lo build Impcoue and Inhabitt 
That we will (by the will of God) come vpp to build lo Plant land and 
Inhabit at or before one whole yeare be passed next after o' acceptance 
of o* AUottments, or etc to Loose all our Charges about it. and our Lotts 
to Return to Uiie PlaDUtion, and to pay liue pounds for the i-se of the 
Plantation. 

What tnhabitiiHts not to be Admited. And for the Better preservdog 
of the purilie of Religion and ourseiues from iafeclioa of Error we Cove- 
nant not to distribute A lloltmenls and lo Receiue into the Plantation as 
Inhabitants any cxcominicat or otherwise prophane and scandaluB (known 
fo to bee) nor any notoriously erring against ihe Docktrin and Discipline 
of ibe Churches and the state and Uovernm' of this Coiiioaweale. 

to end all difrtac by Arbitracon. And for the better preservelng of 
peace and love, and yet to keepe the Rules of Justice and Equiii< 
ourseiues, we Covenant not lo goe to Lawe one with an other in Actiow 
of Debt or iJamages one towards an other either in name or 
end all such Controversies among ourseiues by arbitration or otherwui 
except in cases Cappitall or Crinttnall that sinn may not goe vnpucusbed' 
or that the mater be aboue our abilliiies to Judge of, and that it bee «ridi 
ibe Consent of the Plantation or Sellect men thereof. 

To pay lot p Loll, And lor the Laying out measureing and bound- 
ing of our Altottments of this tirst Diuision and for and towards the S 
fieing of our Engagem"" lo the Generall Court, to m.ike payment Spr 
purchase of the Indians we Covenant lo pay ten shillings every one of v» 
for our several! AUottm", to the Sellect men or whome they may AppojM^ 
to Receive it. 




MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1735. 



31 






Equal! Lotts first Diuition, in 2^^ Diuilions acar 
whereas Lotts are Now Laid out for the most part i^ 
poore. Partly to keepe the Towne from Scatering to fa 
of Charitie and Respect to men of meaner estate, ye; 

[le of God) may be observed, we Coven, 
^ision and so through all other Devitioil 
neere to equallitie according to mei 
which hath now more then his esti , 

Lotts shall haue so much Less :^iifll!^ine 
JDeserveth shall haue so much' >^ 
proportion we Covenant and ag 
junds a head for every perso^ 
^rtion to every ten pounds' 
Entervale and we giue a 



erstood That we doe not 

Accomodateing any man by 

••:) but wee doe reserve that 

tion may hereafter be offered : 

we that he can claime Nothing in 

tood that he shall enioy all the Land 



er we Covenant That if any Planters do 
in the second devition it shalbe Granted. 

^of Meddows. And fFurther wee Covenant to lay 
pcording to the preasent estates of the Planters, with 
Remoteness or Neereness, of that which is remote to 
of that wch is neere to giue the Less. 

■.JKrning the 30 acors of vppland and 40 acors of Entervale 

..*.led as Church Land It is agreed and concluded to Lye 

;*by John Prescotts Ditch vppon the South and the North Riuer 

':-cnds [anenst^ Lawrenc Waters vppon the North and so Rangeing 

^westward. 

And for the Preventing of Inconveniences and the more peaceable Isu- 
ing of the business about building of a meeting house it is Considered 
and Concluded as the mostequall place that the meeting house be builded 
as neere to the Church Land and to the Neck of Land as It can bee with- 
out any notable inconveniencie. 

And it is allso agreed That in all partes and Quarters of the Towne 
where Sundry Lotts do Lie together they shalbe fifenced by a Common 
ffenc according to proportion of acors by every planter, And yett not to 
ban* any man from perticuler and priuat Inclosure at his pleasure. 




23 .AXXALS OF LANCASTER. 



kmu€ laUi i^ /^PP^ ^ t^ hxwts aod orders mrst Enacted and made 
doe Eji^^e 2ad f i 23d Impowered bv the Genrall Coort as it is kmxid 
Btors& A««n« 
S3sd the soze a 
</ hocae Lotts v^axes t^ race subscribed to these orz>eks : 

ther/ 



^ ^<£K / I vsbmaisK to vas far aiy sefiSe and fai _ . _ 

tZCaCCe we 1 ^ atreedd^vvanaocbocziiiD-aiBerppo'ai 



HaCf/TT. \ 



Cocntr^ 

^^^^Sa^"" j- These subscribed together the foi 

^/iSlLPH HAL'GHTOJij 

"* J3r* WHTTCOlfB Seni* ; } 
Js* Whttcomb Jaai^ : < Subscribed 20 : day :9 m- 1652 

Richard Lixtox. ] 

ijr jOflXSOX. ^ Sabscribed : 4=^ : 9 m^ : 1654 

JzREMtAH Rogers] 

jar^ Moore: Sabscnbed: 1 1*^ : first m^ : 1653 

WiixiAM Lewes : } 

fjj/y Lewes. > Subscribed : i3«*» : i m' : 1653 

Tt^': James: mark 21*: 3 m'": 1653 

Edml-xd Parker. 1 

Bexiamixe Twitchell }. Subscribed : i***: 8 m-^: 1652 

AXTHOXY NeWTOX. J 

Steefhex Day ^Subscribed: 1$^^' ' ">■*• '^53 

James Adertox t both of y™. 

Hexry Kerly: 'J 

Richard Smith. I 

William Kerly Jun^ f Subscnbed 15: i m- 1653 

Jx". Smith. J 

Lawrexc Waters 

Jx^. White: Subscribed: i**» May 1653 

Jx* FFARRER: Subscribed: 24: Septemb'' 1653 

JACOB FFARRER : Same date 

Johx Haughtox / ^ , ^ 

Samuel Deaxe SS^b": same 24: 7 m- 1653 

James Draper. ) 

Steefhex Gates: Sen- $ Subscnbed: Apnll 3: 1654 

James Whitixg or Wittox : Subscri: Ap'*^7»*»: 1654 

fx". Moore and } ^ o i^ .^ . 

Edward Kibbie ^3^2"^"^ '^54 Sdbscnbed 

This name has always been erroneously printed '* Rigbe." Kibbie \**as of RojKbtiry 
a sawyer by trade, and did not long remain here. Lydia Kibbie, perhaps his daughter, 
became wife of George Bennett of Lancaster. 



■■■ ■.'' .':.i^:i ...'■<.... L 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 31 



Jn® Mansfield: 13: 2 m°: 1654 

Jn** Towers: ^ 

Richard Dwelly > Subscribed 18: 2 m®: 1654 

Henry Ward. J 

Jn^ Peirce. ? r, 1^ t^ j ♦». 

WILLIAM BILLING ^Subscribed 4* : 7 «"»: i6S4. 

Richard Sutton: ap"^" 1653 

Thomas Joslin. ) Subscribed the i2*»» : 9 mo : 1654. and there is granted 

XT T ( to them both 50 acres of vpland & Swamp together for theire home 

NATHANIELL J OSLIN > lotts and allso forty acors of Eniervale. 

John Rugg: Subscribed, 12***: 12 m": 1654 

i Subscribed I2t'»: 12 m°: 1654: and it U agreed by 
JOSEPH ROWLANDSON : > the Town that he shall haue 20 accors of vpland & 40 acors of 

J Entervale in the Night Pasiure: 

Jn® RiGGBY: Subscribed I2»*»: I2»*»m": 1654 and hejis to haue 20 acors of vpland 

& ten acors of Entervale 

Jn^ Roper : Subscribed 22 : i"^ m" : 1656 

All these before mentioned are subscribed & theire names Entered ac- 
cording to theire Severall Dates in the old Book & Coppied per Jn® 
Tinker C/erk 

Jn® Tinker Subscribed y« first of fFebb' : 1657 
Mordica Maclode his X mark set i march yf| 
Jonas ffairbanks : Subscribed the 7***: 2 m": ^^\\ 

Jonas ffairbanks 
Roger Sumner subscribed the : 11**^ of Aprill : 1659 

Roger Sumner 
Gamaliell Demand Subscribed: the 31^**: of may 1659 

Gamaliell Ut Bemand 

his marke 

Thomas Wytlder : Subscribed the i"» of July 1659 

Thomas WyEllder 
Daniell Gaines Subscribed the tenth day of march \\\% 

Daniell Gaiens 

1653. The arrival of Prescott's millstone in Lancaster 
must have been an event of matchless interest to every 
man, woman and child in the settlement. Until that began 
its tireless turning, the grain for their every loaf of bread 
had to be carried to Watertown mill, or ground laboriously 
in a hand quern, or parched and brayed in a mortar Indian 
fashion, or hulled and softened with lye and crushed, as is 
the practice to this day in some regions of North America. 
The Nashaway planters might well wish to honor their 
beneficent neighbor by naming the township for him. To 




ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 

* cxpacity and bu^ness energy they owed iieaHy a!l tber 

H*) ll)u« t'ar KUamc^d, and no sooner had lo»'nship LTgain- 

ntion been secured, ihan we see John Prescolt turning his 

Attention to this new enierpri:<e, which found shipe 

November a«h. in the following agreement : 

Know «n men br tbnw prcMois ttut I John I'rescott blackesmillt. loik 
^vrnanml And barpined with joo. flbuadl of Charlestowne kb Uk 

lltllnf of a Cornr mill, wiihta Ihe said Tgwne of Lanchasler. 
^|lli«*»eth iKtl «TC lh« Inhabilanls ot Lanchastcr for his eocoi 
H DO (piotl A wwkr tot the behoofe of our Towne. vpon 
will inirnited wvvkr by hitn or his As^ignes be finished, do 
y g)u« K**"'- cit^^. A coDbnne rnio the said John PrescotI, 
r» III' liiUM-vjLtv LuhI I>-1i>|{ on 'hr noMh riaer, lying north west Of 
{III)' anU ivn Jnivv ui LaiwI »cljotiiring to the mill : and forty 
11 ths South cut of the mill btooke. lying between the mill 
Uld Nitkhaw«) Kiun in tuch pUoe as tbc said Jnhn I'rescoit slull 
li ull thfl (>rUitlft1|:c!t knd Appurtnunccs thereto »pperteyneii 
i« ini) to liuld the Mid Und and oiric pArcell thereof to the said' 
I'rffM'ult IiIm he\t4e« uid usjgiws for eoct, to bis and their only 
VM Aiid boUooft. AIM ««« do cooetiAnt & pratnisc to lend the 
J'lvatUll fltie |WUnd, in current mooey one t'care for the bu>-in£ of 
foi Vll» mill. And aIso !•«« do cooen»nt and giani to and with 
Jiihit I'lKiiiitt hU hey<T» and Assignee th*t the nud mill, with all tbe 
niiiiinil Uiid iheteto Ainienevmeing stoill be freed from all eofiton 
[iir Ai"!"!!"" I'MfPH next rosueinj. »f(er tbe fo« finishing and 
(■Id mill lo woikr Ii» wlines whe««.f wee hwie herevnto put 
thia »""' <l*y ttf '*>* V I" "* y«*« of oat Loed Gi>d 
liiitKl"*'! finy ""^^ lht««- 



HulocHlwl lumn 
WiM" Kbiii.v Skk». 

JNU I'HItSiXVl'T. 



Lawxemjc Waters. Thomas Jambs. 

El»«fXl> PAdKES. Jno I-EWIS. 

RtOHAKD LlXTOH. JAMES ATHBR'n 

iui III HolKMltON. RlCMAHU SMmi. JACOB FFAKHB 

Wiu." KmilyJuh*. 

Mpniornniliim, ihAl Jno Ptwrott Snbhcd Us mill. A began tol 
corn* 111* *3'" 'i*>' ^ '*« i"- '*«■ 

Al • nipetiiiij of the Coftinsioocrs far the genrall Court, the 9 
winlior 1B5; *l Jno t're«ot(>s biHKC, the Towne consented that w 
Iftunliyeiiof Jmi, I'rescott prouidcd for in ih« eoveninl should continue 
And rtmayne lo lilm the «dd Jno Piwcoti »tts heyres and assigoes vnlOI 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 33 

the 23 of May in the yeare of our Lord sixteen hundred sixty & two, 1662. 

Simon Willard 
Edw. Johnson 
Thomas Danforth 

The above contract is not found in any records of the town, but was duly recorded 
in the Middlesex County Registry. 

FIRST GRANT OF LOTTS : 

1653: 30*^: 9m*': Mem'"nd"', That we Edward Brek Jno Prescott Wil- 
liam Kerly Ralph Haughton and Thomas Sayer, being Chosen by the 
Gene*^" Court, To lay out Allottments and to order the prudentiall affaires 
of this Plantation at Nashaway now Named Lancaster do Lay out and 
Appoynt Lands and severall Lotts with all the priuilledges and Appurti- 
nances thereof vnto these severall persons whose Names and Allottments 
are hereafter mentioned and discribed To haue and to hold to them 
their heires Executors and Assignes for ever 

The Lotts of this Plantation are Laid out partly on the west side of the 
Riuers of Nashaway and the North Riuer, and partly on a parcell of Land 
Called the Neck Lying betweene the North Riuer and that which hath bin 
Named and Hereby is named Penecuck Riuer which Taketh his name and 
begineth at the meeting of Nashaway and the North Riuers 

Penacook is said to be an Algonquin word, meaning 
"a crooked place/' from fenaqui^ "crooked," and auke^ 
"place," and the New Hampshire name is supposed 
to be thus derived. Here the word in early days was 
spelled Penecook or Penicook, and may have had a differ- 
erent origin. Again, -pen^ plural penak^ means "ground 
nut " or " wild potato," a favorite food of the aborigines ; 
while used as a prefix penak denoted "a fall in the land." 
Hence, other meanings are suggested as possible. The 
name was soon dropped. 

The Lotts on the west side of Nashaway and the North Riuers are 
formed duble, a highway Runing through as a street,, on either side 
whereof Lotts are Laid to butt vppon the said highway : 

Lotts of Jno Prescot 

The ffirst Lott as the Scenter from which other Lotts may take theire 
boundings and discriptions North and South, is the Lott of John Prescot 
who is one of the first Inhabitants, he hath his Lott on the west side of 
Nashaway and the North Riuers Containing 20 Acors in place where some- 

3 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 35 



Entervale Lotts on the west side of the North Riuer : 

The first Lott begineth at a litle brooke which Cometh from the west & 
Runeth into the North Riuer : 

William Kerly Sen* 

The 2"^ Lott is the Lott of William Kerly Senior Containing 20 acors 
butteth Esterly vppon the west side of the North Riuer. 

^is purchas. The Lot of William Kerly which he purchased of Rich- 
ard Smith is the 3** Lott Joyning to hi^ owne pp [proper] Containing 20 
acors Lyeth on the south side is Butted & bounded as the former. 

Wm. Kerly Jun* 

The Lott of William Kerly Jun*^ Containing 20 acors is the 4"* Lott 
butted and bounded as the fformer 

J NO Moore 

The Lott of J no Moore Containing 20 acors is the 5*** Lott Butted & 
bounded as the other 

The Lott of Henry Kerly Containing 20 acors is the Last Lott Lying 
to a brook w*=^ is on the south side and Runeth into the North Riuer : 

Neck side. The Lotts vppon the Neck Lyeth betweene the North Riuer 
and Penecuck Riuer a highway Runing between them : 

Lotts of Edward Brek 

The Lott of Edward Brek is the 'first Lott Containing 20 acors which 
Lyeth butting vppon the highway vppon the west and Penecuck Riuer 
vppon the east and RuiTeth to the Riuer (which somtimes was intended 
for Mr Bowman) [Probably Francis of Watertown.] His Entervale Lott 
Lyeth on the East side of Penecuck Riuer Containing 20 acors bee it 
more or Less, it Runs East and west and boundeth westerly vppon Pene- 
cuck and vppon the South is hounded by a new ditch : & (from this Lott 
Northerly & Southerly are other Lotts Numbered & bounded and is the 

first Lott. 

Ri: Lenton 

The Lott of Richard Lenton, Containing 20 accors is the 2* Lott and 
Lyeth on the North side of the Lott of Edward Brek butteth on the High 
way westerly & Penecuck Riuer on the East, Ralph Haughton vppon an 
exchange made, is planted vppon the East end thereof 

Ra: Haughton 

The pp [proper] Lott of Ralph Houghton is Next vnto Richard Lenton 
Containing 20 acors butted and Bounded as the other being the 3** Lott 
Northerly. 



.£ 




TW Urn of Kk]}* Hauchton w^ he parchased of J^ 

( w hoK «««e (p an Ae North side Containing ;o •(» 

"* ~ ~e Lam Lyvoa the other side PenecuckEj^ 

i bcaac tbt y and 4* Lotts from the Un d 

lto*Vr Buck 
The Loa ri Itetwn b«ck C M UlaJ Bg 20 acors Lyetb 00 the ocsi ndt 
of Ik* ^ivct b« fM M«fc a Ae sootli side Neerc to the house of RiclunI 
tevMK. *pfo* a Line Ri£« 9 af ■ ^ rt$4 frwn the highway to the Kiia 
9J rMb in Leac^ l^ii't «• ibe U^ttnv oa i!ie East & the North Rhxi 
cm Uie «nt a»d nadetb NdRkedy . Hts Esten-ale LotI Containing » 
•nn Lj«tti aen to tfar Eaienxk Lon of liit £ulici Edward Brek and a 
the wcuod Ian fro« fen NuiikuljF tened And bounded as is his hitun. 

JuRs A mm nw 
Tbc Lon 01 Ja»es AAnW* Lmh aui mto the Lotts of Kalpli 
Hau|;ltHm o« the Nonh ami h the fifili LoU Conuiniog 10 acors tniited 
A bOHiKM aa tht othec TV EMcrak Lotl of Jatues Atberton Con- 
MiMlnc 90 Kon fe tbc S^ Lar SmAi^j from the Loti of Ralph H*u|ih' 
ton bMitii( & bOi»<lim ax the fawcc 

Jno Won 

1'he Lmt ol Jo(m Whitr CouaUiv 90 aeon is oeit to the Lett of 
]ain«« Aderton <w the North a»d b tke dn Luii buttitig & bounding a> 
th« o(h«f. HH Ecttm^ak Lott coMainiag ao «cors b next to the E 
vak U>i( of Jamvs Atbemw om the North A is Ae Mxth Lott. 



Tike Lull of WUUan trrca Cowaiw^ >o aeon t* ihe « 
o tW Latt of Join VThiie «a the Koith botdag ft h 
the other. Ht» tJiwrrakt Lott albo Lwth nest » John V" 
7"' Lott Boiwant Coatauiinc 9o arois tenng & b 

)s* L«»is 

The Lotl of John Lewes Coot^nias :o aeon b the dghi Lon fl 
> the LoO of hb btber WilUam Leats oa the Noeth, T 
bounding as the other. Hb eniertale Lon b the eight ( 

n b butted Ji bounded as the otttef . 




Tao. Juns 

I'he Lott of Tltofnas Jaaies Coatat^ag 30 ai 

Lyeth Dext to the Lott of John Leaes on the North batiioc ftta 

at the other. Hb Eatamk Lott b the Ntath kktt. Nankc^r <| 

Le«re* butted & booaded as 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 

The Lott of Edmund Parker Containing 20 acors is tlie tenth Lot! and 
Lyeth Next lo the Lotl of Thomas James on the North bulled & 
itimled as the other. His Entervale Lott Containing :o acors is the 
ath Lott Lying on the North side of the Lott of Thomas James butted 
bounded as the other. 

The Lott of Richard Smith Containing 20 acors Lyeth alone and is a 
tryangle. bounded by a fenc on one side towards the entervale and on an 
bounded hy the North Riuer and by a parcel! of Comon on the 3^ 
lide through which a highway is to pass ; 

Thus far the records, copied from the old book, are in 
the quaindy neat hand-writing of Master John Tinker, 
who at his coming hither was at once largely entrusted 
with the management of public affairs. 

COPPIE OF PETITION FOR TOWNSHIP: & ANSWER: 

the hono"* Go"no' ihc Depl Go"no' and the Rest of this hono"* Court 
both magi.slrates & deputies. 
The humble petition of the Inhabitants of Lancaster humbly sheweth 
hat whereas it pleased this honoured Court to giue power to six men 
(ormerly to dispose of Lands, and fo giue out Lotts vnto such men as 
did desire to sin doivne att Lancaster, they hauing Hitherto acted accord- 
ngly, and wee being now about Iwcntie familyes. and one of the six men 
Ibeing dead, and an other liuing remote from vs, and sura others of Ihem 
lieing desirous to Leaue of that power giuen to them by the Court ; Con- 
ciuing it to be agreeable to Law and profitable to the towne, in the further 
pricing on and ordrlng of the planting and prudenciall aiTaires of the 
rwne, and alsoe in the further disposing and raising maintainaoce for the 
liinestrie amongst vs, wee with the Comisioners who haue sett their hands 
nto with oiirielues, doe humbly intreat this Honoured Court that the 
■T which was formerly granted to those six men, may be granted to 
owne, and inhabitanc in genrall that therein they may act togather .13 
1 other townes, and as wee Conceiue vnder lauor the Law doth allow. 
|j)d alsoe that this Court would be plesed to apoynt sum man or men 
n wisdome you think meet, to Lay out our towne bounds according 
D this Courts grant, which if il shall pleas this Honoured Courl to grant 
Jito vs, we shall remaine further obliged and as wee ar in dutie bound 
^ntinae 10 pray for you. 

Wii-UAM Kerlev Sen Edmund Parker 

William Leweis Thom,\s James 

William Kerly Jun John Whitcombe 2 

Richard Smith L*wrenij Waters 

Henry Kerley Richard Linton 

John Leweis 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



39 



w*** them for the choosing of such a one as may be most fitt to be theire 
sagamore, which would be a good service to y^ countrje. 

[Massachusetts Records.] 

Their counsel prevailed, and Matthew, nephew of Sho- 
lan, was chosen ; but " deboist " Sam bided his time. The 
tribal government was an elective, monarchy, sons of a 
deceased sachem being ineligible if nephews and brothers 
were available. 

MENS ESTATS TO DRAW MEDDOW & 2"* DEUISION 

1654. These seurall Estats of the planters who by Couenant and ac- 
cording to the rules theirof haue engaged that theirby it may be knowne 
what shall be ther pporcion of Land which by Couenant eurie planter 
may make Claime vnto in a second third or other deuisions of Land and 
alsoe of medow within this towne of Lancaster. • 



lb ■ d 

John Prescott 366 = 15 z 00 

William Kerley Sen. 270 = 00 = 00 

Edward Brecke 202 = i r = 00 

Ralph Houghton 264 = 04 : 00 

Edmund Parker 098 = 00 = 00 

Thomas James 036 : 00 = 00 

John Johnson 030 = 00 = 00 

John Smith 058 = 19 z 00 

James Atherton 069 = 05 : 00 

Thomas Sa^vyer 1 10 = 00 z 00 

Robert Breck 010 z 00 z 00 

William Kerley Jun. 186 z 00 z 00 

John Rugg 083 z 10 z 00 

John More 1 10 z 00 z 00 

William Leweis 285 z 09 z 00 



John ffarer 
Richard Smith 
John Leweis 
Thomas Josllin 
Steeuen Gats Sen. 
John Whetcomb 
Jo : Whetcomb Jr. 
Nathaniell Josllin 
Lawrenc Waters 
Jacob ffarer 
John Whit 
Henry Kerley 
Richard Linton 
Phillip Knight 
John Roper 



The Estats of seurall entred sine the 9 day 1655 

Roger Sumner his Estat giuen in is 
Jonas ffairbanke his Estat is 
Jacob £u'er aded when his wif came 



lb 
107 

or8 
210 

314 
241 

029 

155 

277 
107 

380 

078 

090 

100 

100 



s d 

z oozoo 
z 13Z10 
z loz 00 
I ooz 00 
zooz 00 
z ooz 05 
I ooz 00 
I oozoo 

: 00 z 00 

I 10 Z 00 

: 06 z 02 
= 04 z 00 
: ooz 00 
I 00 z 00 
: oozoo 



232 
172 
168 



ooz 00 
oozoo 
07 zoo 



DEUISION OF MEDOWES ALLREDIE DEUIDED. 

Medowes allowed to eurie hundred pound estat is fower accors to which 
proporcion it foUoweth 






^ A!C3CALS or LA3CCASTEK. 

Jmm fttMoa Bub of nc^owa b: 
37 Wi[3»» KerW tea kufc 

26 John Jobaioa 
14 J'jfati S<T.itb 
35 James AtlKttoB 

Rob«n tittdu OM tabtd to hsK a lot. o 

14 Willbm Kerley Jo. 2 accocs & | 

f S John More 4 accon & { ptcs 

15 John Ri^ 3 accon & ) ptc 
7 William Leweis 1 1 accors & f ptes 

f6 Richard Smith ■boold be H-l' ^ is bat Q-f (i2| acoxs & ^ 




John Lewetf 




olptes 




Tbomai jofllia 






i 4 i pies 


Slectieii Gate* icti. 




laaccor; 


i i * A PW 


John Wbetcomb md. 






tj&lpte 


John Wnetcomb Jo. 




I aceor 


&lpte 


Natbaniell Josllin 




6accori 


i & i pte 


Lawrenc Wateri 




II accon 


i&^pte 


Jacol) ffarer 




4 accon 


• & A P'"' 


John Whit 




15 accors and ) pte 


Henry Kerley 






s & i pte 


Richard Linton 






i&l-,\ pies 


John Tinker for 100 good" 


Knight 






John Roper 








Muter Rowlandson 




6 accors 


John Tinker hath 6acc. i 


wasgood- 






man Rowlandsons & and 


2 to draw 


8 accor. 


iforhisowne 



Roger Sumner 9 accors \ pte 
Jonas fairbanke hath 6 accors, is to 

draw I ptes, which makes 6 accors & j ptes 

Jacob ffarer by his estat & by his wife 6 accors 4 J ptes 

Jacob H'arer for John farers esut 4 accors & J pte 

,suM (;rants ok land and orders by the first six 

MEN APOYNTED. 

The 9"" of Ihc first mon. 1654 It is ordred and agreed by ihe select- 
men of the plantaclon the Land which Lyeth belweene the lott of Edward 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 4I 

r 

Brecke and that of Richard Smith shall Ly in Comon for the plantacion 

Itt is ordred by the greater voat of the selectmen that noe second 
deuisions of Land shall be Laid out to any planter within the Compass of 
two miles of the house of Richard Linton 

It is ordred and granted by the greater voat of the select men that a 
Certain pte of Entervaile Land which Lyeth betweene the lottes of Robert 
Brecke and Ralph Houghton shall be and remaine vnto the said Robert 
and Ralph, their heirs and asignes for euer and that vpon resonable and 
good Considracion 

Upon resonable and good Considracion it is ordred and granted by 
the greater voat of the select men that Thomas Saw}'er shall haue fine 
accors of Land Lying on the south sid of the dich of John Prescott and 
on the north sid of the High way buting vpon the Entervaile East and the 
Comons on the west to him his heirs and asignes for euer to plant a hous 
vpon — vpon Condicion that he returne to the towne fiue accors of his 
home lott in Lew theirof at the east end of his lott. 

At a towne meeting it was voted and agreed by the plantacion upon a 
legall warning asembled that the acts of the selectmen who were Chosen by 
the Court to dispose of lotts and to act the prudenciall afairs of this plan- 
tacion contained in this book by them or the greater voat of them acted, 
shall hencforth be accounted Legall and is herby established and con- 
firmed 

Att a towne meeting asembled vpon Legall warning it is agreed by the 
towne that their should not be taken into the towne aboue the number of 
thirtie fiue familyes and the subscribed names ar to be vnderstood that 
hencforth they ar to be accounted townsmen 

Edward Brecke John Johnson William Kerley Jun 

Master Joseph Rowlandson John More John Smith 

John Prescott William Leweis Lawrence Waters 

William Kerley sen. John Leweis John White 

Ralph Houghton Thomas James John farer 

Thomas Sawyer Edmund Parker Jacob tfarer 

John Whetcomb Sen James Atherton John Rugg 

John Whetcomb Ju' Henry Kerley 

Richard Linton Richard Smith 

ORDERS ABOUT THE FIRST DEUISION OF MEDOW. 

25 : 4**» : mon 1655 The towne meet about a first deuision of medow 
and ordred and agreed as followeth. 

Itt is this day ordred that a deuision of medow shall bee Laid out, with 
all Convenient Speed, of fower accors to a hundred pound estate : As it 
is entered into the towne booke, to be deuided by I^ott, And it is agreed 
to begin at the south medow, and soe to the medow by Gibsons hill, and 



42 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

to quasaponikin medow, and all medowcs koowne on the neck, and soe 
com 10 Ihe vpniostt medow on Nashaway riuer, and the Still riuer, and soe 
follow ihetn downwards to tlie jilum trees, And soe Round to the ponds,! 
and wataquadock and such medowes as are knowne. or shall be found. vntiUV 
tenn actors to a hundred pound bee made vpp : And it is ordred andil 
agreed, and men chose to surueie eurie mans Loll of medow: And h 
Judge theirof, that eurie man may haue, as neare to equalitie as may i 
truth and faithfullnes be Judged of, bj- the men herafter mentioned, Thay 
is to say William Kerley Sen. Sleeuen Gats, William Kerley Jui 
Ralph Houghton. 

After fower accors to a hundred pound was Laid out and pfecto 
with the allowances, the Layers out called the townc togather the lo^'s i 
the 5"' ; mon 1655 who acted as followeth. It is this day ordred a 
agreed by a voat of the towne no man desenting. that the act of Laytn| 
out meddowes. In the firsl deiiision. of fower acvora 10 a hundred pounlL 
mate, as it is alredie Laid out. the towne will maintain and defend, agains 
all suits and encumbrances wliateuer. And at the same time the same day,l 
the towne drew Lolls, for a second deuision of raedow of six ace 
hundred pound state. And the Layers out went afterward to Laying it out,f| 
but it would not hold out to glue to eurie one soe much, And theirfore the 
(..ayers out of medow called the lowne logather againe. And the towne 
wholy disanuled what was done in that Later deuision of medow, because 
it would not reach to glue to eurie man. but many would haue beenc , 
without. 



^uasaponikin and Wataqtiadock are named here for th^a 
first time. The contraction Ponikin appears first in 1718.J 
This is uniformly the spelling used by the earlier clerks,* 
who were familiar with the Indian speech, and by the besn 
authorities since. Ponakin is a modern innovation, li 
no claim to be perpetuated. A similar name, ^osofaaet- 
gofi, was applied to a Groton meadow. Here t 
attached to the broad area of intervale, the hill, and the 
brook, which retain it today. The published vocabularies'] 
of Indian words give no clue to its meaning, unless there ii 
an echo of it in ^lascacanaquen, which a writer i 
New Hampshire Historical Society's Collections tells uaP 
means "entirely full of water." 

The meaning, descriptive of the Bolton range of 1 
hidden in the Indian word IVatagitadock, has not beei 
found, though long sought. Of local names about Laticas>.f 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 43 



ter none has experienced more varied spelling at the hands 
of clerks and historians. The later methods seem in no 
way improvements upon Ralph Houghton's first attempt to 
render into English syllables the word as he heard it from 
native lips, in 1653. In the town records we find Wata- 
quadoke ^656 and 1659, Wataquadocke 1658, Wadaqua- 
dock 1718, all nearly the same in sound with the first above. 
Joseph Willard, Esquire, in 1826, preferred Wataqtiodoc. 
Reverend Peter Whitney gave us in 1792, Wattoquottock! 
It was not until the Indian tongue was forgotten in Lancas- 
ter, and the recorders were unusually illiterate, that such 
outr6 orthography as Waterquaduc and Wattoquoddoc 
crept in. 

A leaf is here missing from the records. No contempo- 
rary notice is elsewhere found respecting this meeting of a 
board of arbitration, ten of whose *' determinacions " are 
lost to our histor}'. The provision in the covenant for the 
ending of disputes by arbitration was presumably the 
authority for assembling the board. 

ARBITRATORS AWARD OR DETERMINACIONS. 

11'^ Complaint of Tho : Sawyer . fFor Thomas Sawyers Complaint 
about his want of fine accors of Entervaile Land, wee say it was Laid out 
by those apoynted by the towne according to order, And if he or any 
other may mesure their Land soe Laid out And accept vpon that ground, 
then all may as well haue Libertie to doe the same And then noe end will 
be Herin and theirfore we cannott alter it. 

12*** Complaint about records for want of ye same, ffor the Com- 
plaint of the want of recording Land in the towne booke, for help Herin, 
wee apoynt Ralph Houghton for that worke for the present vntill further 
order be taken. 

13 Complaint for want of Land Laid out, Wheras diuers Com- 
plaints for the want of Land being Laid out according to their grant, wee 
Herby declare, that the towne is with car & wh^t speed they may, to sat- 
isfie all those Complaints, in their Lawfull demands herein. 

14 Complaint of Jo : farer ffor John ffarers Complaint for want of 
his accomodacions Laid out to him Considring his pson being soe Long 
hear. And also his expenc being as it was. wee cannot butt grant him his 






_I.L. 



_•_- 



' -!-nr T'^T* 



- ' m T^«■t 






m: r-r ?:* 



^t*; 









- • 4 






MASSACHUSETTS, 



1643 -172s. 



45 



bee pleased to enlarge their estat soe they shall enlarge theirin answrably, 
And this 10 be raised according to ihe order incerted in the towne Booke. 

23. difrinc odout orders in the town boot. Wheras their was a diiT- 
rence amongst them Concerning sum orders in the towne book in deuidtng 
o( Land, our detirminacons are herin as tblloweth, Imprifnis that for the 
fret deuision of Enterv-aile Land eurie man shall pay one penny by the 
accor yearly to eurie thirtie pounds to all rats for Church and towne and 
wh^C shall be wanting theirin shall bee made vp pporcioning eurie manK 
cstai vpoii goods and other improued Lands. And our Conclusion is that 

n other deui^ions all men shall com theirto according to their estats. 

24. Ministry Land. Wheras their was by an onier of the towne 
- fortie accors of enterraile Land giuen for the ministrie for ppetuity, buted 

. and bounded though not Laid out. And wheras their was twenty accors of 
this giuen to Henric Kerley without that due Consideracion as might haue 
. beene, our delerminacion is Iheirfore that the said Henrie Kerley shall re- 
■ linquish this tiventie accors vp for the end for which it was intended. And 
he shall haue Liberde to take vp twentie liue accors of enteriaile Land in 
Lew of that befor e^presed in any place yett vndisposed. And for his ex- 
pence and charge herin, he shall improue the said Land soe Long as vntill 
he shall bee satisAed for his charge soe expended, according to the towne 
rdcr in that cas pviding. Simos Willard 

dated and Conlirmed this 25'" Edward Johnson 

of Aprill 1656 1656 Witnes our hands Edmund Rice 

CONCORD WAY IN LANCASTER. 

27: 3; mon; 1656. Wee whose hands are herevnto pui being Chose 

by Concord and Lancaster, to laj' out the Cuntrie highway betwixl the said 

townes within the bounds of Lancaster, haue acted and Concluded that the 

, Cuntrie highway sltall goe as folowelh ; the place from whence we took 

: our begining is at the highway Kuning betwixl the Lot of John Prescott 

aoA John Mores Loll. And soe Runing on the east side the ministers 

. house, and ouer the north Riuer by Lawrence Waters house, and soe ouer 

Penico6ke Riuer neare to the house of Edward Breke, and soe ouer ihe 

Entervaile and through Swane Swamp where the towne hath alreadie 

marked out a highway for thcmselues and soe along to a litle pine tree on 

' the north side of Wataquadoke hill. And soe along the old path, or wher 

' may be most Convenient within the bounds of Lancaster. 

Cbokge Wheller John Smadi^v 
John Roper Ralph Houghtov 

This, our earliest counly road, started from the present 
highway somewhere near the cross roads in South Lancas- 
ter, and ran northerly to the first church, which crowned 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 47 

Lancaster the 6*^ of the 11**^ mon 1656. 

The deposition of Lidia Cibie Aged about 19 years. Vpon the Last 
Lord^s daye goodwife gats being called forth in the publique Congrega- 
don to acknowledge an ofence donagainst Master Rowlandson, I heard 
mary gats speake to Sergant Kerly that he would goe and speake, he said 
noe for it will giue ofence. Ofence — said shee. Lett those take ofence and 
be hanged all, if they will. 

Sara Waters Aged 20 years witneseth, That shee heard mary gats at 
the same time speaking to Sargant Kerly. She said Lett them take ofence 
and be hanged all, If they will. 

these weare both taken vpon oath the 27*** of the ii'*» mon 1656 before 
me. Simon Willard. 

I Mary gates doe acknoleg that whearas 1 have spoke sumthing not long 
aence at this place that was mater of joste offence and uery sinfull, I am 
hertely sory for it and doe desire the Congregtion to pas it by, and I shall 
endever by the helpe of god not to alowe myself in any such practes. 
this was acknoledged in publick in our hearing. 

William Kerly Juner 
WiLLL^M Kerly Sener 
Henry Kerly. 

April 7 1657. This Court grants an Attachment agst Mary Gates of 
Lanchaster, and to J no. Prescott a bill of costs for himselfe & witnesses 
being 24* to be pd by the said Gates and shee is to appeare at y^ next Court 
to Answ*^ y* Compl* of the said Prescott & James A therton for her sinfull 
Cariage in the assembly on >-* Lords day. 

To the honoured (iovernour. Deputy Governour with the rest of the 
honoured magistrats assembled at the County Court holden at Charlestown 
the 16 of this instant lune 1657, In most humble wise sheweth and com- 
plaineth, and . . [a line worn off in fold] . . petitioner Mary Gats of 
Sudbury lat of Lancaster was summoned to appeare at the County Court 
held at Cambridge the seaventh of A prill last past and did not, your peti- 
tioner thought that full satisfaction had been giuen befor the honoured 
Maior Willard for the offence, also acknoleilgement and satisfaction was 
£uther rendered by your petitioner to all or any persons at lancaster, whom 
it might concern, further your petitioner was informed that if shee did ap- 
peare by an agent it might be exepted, hence what your petitioner did was 
out of ignorance and not of any contempt of athoryty or aversnes farther 
to acknoledge the euill of my rash spech and shall be at your mercy, sub- 
mitting to your fauorable sensur, allways praying for you. 

Mary Gats. 

23 „ 4 ,, 1657. Mary the daughter of Steuen Gates of Lanchaster 
being complained of to this Court for bold and vnbeseeming speeches vsed 



y-i^J..A 



AV\'A:,> of LAN castes 



^ dw: f^'jidfijut A**«L'jirx ^c. rst Lcri& is-, yn' isoeziaZlT ^gs Mr Raw- 
stt^ji, wrvHrjsr 'X ^^j^ m-^jtc ±i£r^ znt trri^tnDt irtun^zc i ^i f jrrili br the 

Wjcserk «** art o* fit whi v rocarct ^c tii» Ccotl tat sd itair Gales 
af^j^Asinxie ^ O/ar. fr<Bt;. , Acicacrv-jesCcfer: scr rr-a: rrv- Lb c oa , the Court 
aosBb^yxowrtJC JMT. dt ordem: the sbrtae s^bcisr paj tse WitiMSses their 



L^nuLifVtT Z4* ?r* 56. Trd* =ay C3cr±5* rit H:>accDHi Cdort that w«c 
iart: '.zy>crt<: ICl;;/^ Hvj^zoz, (T^srk^ :>: :be Wdts, Wlraes oar hands 

Thomas Ko'mzjisij^ys joas Ruog 



1^6 2^ Mav. "Lasca^icT alias Nas-hasav. BiDerLin. & Chcfansftyrd" 
were pr^ewmtod to the grand jur) sbr not sending reco^i: ot - theiie meeting 
Um nfjauta:6oTi of maj^«»t7axs y^ ytsu past.' A: the jury tboDd a bill 7^ of 

2* ■* 1657- 

1^7. ^\'be^eas wee vbose names are vndenrritten (being the freemen 
of Laiiicaftter) were summoned by marran: to send some one to answer a 
(^e%e&tineDt for our neglecting to send in o' votes ibr Nomination of Mag- 
istrates, we have intrtated John Prescott at psent Constable, to return our 
JJefence into the Honoured Court, whereby we intreate the Honoured 
Court to consider that the Reason whv wee sent them not was onelv because 

wee were not called i-pon according to order. 

WlLXlAM Kerly 

Thomas Rowlaxdson 
WiLUAM (O) Lewis 
Thomas (F) Sawyer 

23: 4: 1657. Steeuen Gates late const, of Lanchaster. being openly 

convicted in Court of his Breach of the law in not sumoning the freemen 

of that Towne to giue in their votes for nomination of magistrates, is fined 

according to law, ten pounds. 

[Middlesex Court Records.] 

1657. In answer to the peticon of Steeuen Gates, humbly desiring }•• no 
fine may Ix; inflicted on him for his neglect in not warning the fi'eemen to 
giue in their votes for magist', he being at y* tjme sicke, & hauing pd 
tenn »hillingK for entering his peticon, the court graunts his request. 

[ Massachusetts Records.] 

Vpon occasion & in answer to the peticon of Concord Lancaster &c, the 

Court doe graunt to the inhabitants of Concord & Lancaster, 

and Huch as they shall associate vnto them, according to the tenor of theire 

petiCon, lil>erty to erect one or more iron workes w**»in the Ijmitts of theire 

oune towne bounds, or in any coition place neere therevnto.. 

[ Massachusetts Records.] 



: «.«al.L- ^.'.-li^- AtZs. ^ 



MASSACHUSETTS. [643 - 1725. 49 

Works were soon in operation at Concord, and it seems 
certain that some attempt was made to establish in Lancas- 
ter the manufacture of iron from ores dug out of the bogs or 
fished from the poods. Iron for smiths' use then cost over 
twenty pounds sterling per ton. The first forge in America 
had been successfully at work in Raynham for four or five 
years, and John Prescott, perhaps, ever watchful as he was 
of public needs, and stimulated by the high price, planned 
a bkiomery in connection witii liis saw-miil, which probably 
stood on the site now occupied by the Bigelow Carpet Com- 
pany's dam. This at least is certain ; slag and cinders, 
such as accumulate at a forge, were once to be seen strewn 
about the embankment of a long disused d;im in that lo- 
cality. But bog ore, though found in various places 
near, was nowhere in deposits rich enough to make iron 
manufacture profitable. 

COI'PIE OF A I'ETTICION' TO THE GENRALL COURT FOR 
A COMITIE. 

To ilie Honoured Court our Honoured gouemerdepuHegouerner with the 
rest of Ilie magestiats the asistants and deputies 

The humble peUicion of the inhabiiance of ihe Towne of Lancaster 
agreed oa by a genrall voate of tlie lowne wliose hands are vnderwriten 
Shewelh. That wheras sundrie [jsones in ihis towne the Last year all (he 
genrall Court by pelicion. did obtaine the full Libertie of a plantacion lo 
Choose selectmen and to order our prudencialls as other townes doe, sup- 
osiog the towne lo bee furnished for thai purpose, But now vpon this 
short time of experienc this plantacion finding ourselues vnable to act 
and order our prudencialls by publique towne meetings, as a towne body 
by reson of many inconveniences and encumbrances which wee find that 
way. nor by selleclmen by reson of the scarcitie of freemen (being but 3 
three in number) we want Libertie of Choic, And the Law requires (as 
your peiicioners doe Conceiue) the greler voal of them that act to be 
freemen. 

The premises being Considred your peticioners doe humbly Craue 
that the Honoured Court would be pleased to take our Condicion into 
their Considracion, and apoynt a comilie invested with power from the 
gcnrall Court to put vs into such a way of order as wee ar Capable of, or 
any other way which the Honoured Court may Judge safest, and best both 
for the present and future good, of vs and our towne and those that are lo 




50 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 

suceed vs, And such a Comilie soe apoynted and koc impowred. majr-l 
stand till they bee able to make returne to the Eenrall Court that the towne I 
is suAsiantly able to order our prudenciall ifaires according as the Law re- 
qtiires, which if it shall please this Honoured Court to grant vnto vs, wee 
shall remaioe further obliged. And as we ar in dulie bound Continue lo 
pray for you. 

COURTS GRANT OF A COMITIE. 

Alt a geniall Court held ai Boston May 6'*> 1657. In answer to the 
peticion of the Inhabitance of Lancaster This Court Judgeth it meet lo 
grant their request. And doe iheirforc order and apoynt Maior Simon 
Witlard, Caplaine Edward Johnson and Thomas dainforth Comisioners. 
impowering them to order the a^ires of the said Lancaster. And 10 heare 
and determine their seurall dilfrences and greeuances which obstruct the 
present and future good of the towne, standing in power till they bee able 
to make retume to the genrall Court that the towne is sufisiantly able to 
order its owne affaires according to Law. 

t'era Copia Tho.iias danforth 



ORDERS OF THE COMITIE. 

The Comisioners apoynted by the genrall Court to order and setle the 
afaires of Lancaster, being asembled at John Frescois house September y* 
eight 1657 hauiDg heard the seurall informacions and Complaints of both 
pties, and reueued the records of the said towne, doe Judg meet to order 
and Conclud as foiloweth (i e) 

1. SeUclmen. That master John Tinker William Kerley Sen John, 
Prescott Ralph Houghton and Thomas Sawyer, shall bee and are hcrby 
impowered to order and manag the prudenciall afaires of the said tovrtie, 
ffor this year next ensuing and vntill sum others be allowed and Confirmed' 
by the Comisioners in their steed and place. 

2. Enairagi master RoTvlaudsoH. That the said Selecttmeo take Care, 
for the due encuragment of ma<iter Rowlandson who now Laboureth 
amongst them in the ministrie of gods holy word. And alsoe that they 
take care for erecting a meeting house, pound and stokes. And that 
they see to the Laying out of towne and Countrie high waies and the 
towne bounds, and the making and executing of all such orders and by^ 
Lawes as may be for the Comon good of the plac (i e) respecting Come 
feilds, medowes. Comon pasturag Land, fences, herding of Catell and re- 
straint of damage by swine and for the recouring of ihos fine* and 
fortitures that are due 10 the towne from such psones as haue takei> vp 
land and not fulltilled the Condicions of theire respectiue grants wberbyJ 
the Comon good of the Plantacion hath beene and yett is much obstnicted. 



t 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



51 



3. Paymt. of tmvne debts. That they lake Care for the payment of 
all towne debts and for that end they are herby impowred to make such 
Levies or rats from time to time, as they shall see ncedfull for the dis- 
char^ of the Comon Charges of the lowne. And [n Case any of the 
inhabilance shall refuse or neglect to mak due payment both for quality 
and quaodtie upon resonable demand, they may then Levie the same by 
distresse, And are impoweret! alaoe to take :■ mor and aboue such line 
or Rate as is due lo bee paid for the saclsladon vnto your oticer that 
taketh the distress for his paines theirin. 



4. manor of astsmcnls. That In all their asesments. all Lands apro- 
priated. (Land giuen for addittions excepted) shall bee valued ii 



p accor and the broken 
.tervailc the broken at fowerlie 
thirlie shillings ihe accor, and 
ali rates to the minislrie The 
according to the towne order, 
ensuing, .\lsoe thai the 



foUowing (i e) home Lotts.the vnbroken 

vp at thirtie shillings by the accor the 

shillings the accor and the vnbroken 

medow Laod att thirtie shillings, and 

home Lotts to pay tenn shillings p a[ 

And this order to Continue for fine y 

selectmen tak spesiall Care for the preseruing and safe keeping the lownes 

Records. And if they see it need full, that ihey pcure Ihe same to bee 

wrilen our fairly into a new booke, to be keept for the good of posterity, 

ihe charge wherof to bee borne by the pprietors of the said Lands 

respeciiuely. 

5. Honc fried from Rals vnless Ihey relinquish iinder hand. That 
noe man be freed from the Rates of any Land granted him in pprietie 
eccept he mak a release and full resignation theirof vnder his hand, And 
doe aisoe relinquish and surender vp 10 the vse of the lowne, his home 
Lotl Intervaile and medow. all or none. 

6. aciomndacotts for $ or 6: be Left before 2 deuision. That their be 
accomodacions of Land reserued for the meet encuragment of fine or six 
able men to com and Inhabit in the said place (i e) as may bee helpful! 
lo the encuragment of theworke of god their, and the Comon good of the 
place, A nd that no second deuision be Laid out vnlo any man vntill those 
Lotts bee seit aple for thai vse ; by the selectmen, that Is to say home 
Lotts eniervaile and medow. 

7. Master Rirwlandsens deed of gift. The Comisioner.i doe Judg meet 
to Confirme the deed of gift made by the towne vnto master Rowlandson 
(i e) of a house and Land which was sett a part for the vse of the minis- 
trie bering date i"^ e" mon 1657 vpon Condicion that master Rowlandson 
remoue not bis habitacion from the said place for the space of ihree yearc 
next ensuing, rnlesse the said Inhabitance shall consent theirto, And the 
Comisioners aproue theirof. 

8. fo. Prescots highway. That the highway Laid out through John 
Prescotis Land, be remoued vnto the place wher formerly it was Laid out. 



52 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



9. Steeuen ^ais hath'tioe right to a Lott. That Stecoen gats hath noc 
right to those Lands claimed by him from this said plantadon. 

10. John RigU liath right to \oacors of Intervale. That John Rigbie 
hath right to tenn accors of Enter\aile to be Laid out to him by the select 
men. 

1 1 . Thomas Sawyer, 5 acars entervaile. That Thomas Sawyer bath 
right to ^xLt accors of Entervaile to be Laid out to him by the select men. 

12. Jo: Afar 3 accors medo. That John More shall haue three accors 
of medow Laid out to him by the selectmen to enioy the same to him and 
his heires for euer, on Condicion that he remaineth an Inhabitant in the 
said plac for three yeare next ensuing the Lords hand by death excepted. 

13. Lands bought by Master Tinker. That those Lands bought by 
master John Tinker of goodman Knight bee Confirmed to him and his 
heires for euer. And that master Tinker be accomodated in deaisions of 
Land after two hundred pound estate. 

14. goodtnan PVaters acomodacions. That the selectmen Layout vnto 
Lawrence Waters what he yett u'anteth of his Just acomodadons in any 
place that is Comon, att the Choice of the said Waters. And that what 
Land the said Waters shall be without for more then six monthes after the 
date Herof he ^hall bee freed from the rates theirof pvided He shall neuer 
after make any claime theirto. 

finally agst inmates. That none be entertained into the towne as in- 
mates, tenants, or othen^'ise to inhabit within the bounds of the said 
towne, without the Consent of the selectmen or the maior pte of them, 
first had and obtained, and entered in the record pf the towne as their act, 
vpon penalty of twenty shillings p month both to the pson that shall soe 
offend by intruding himselfe, And alsoe to the pson that shall ofend in 
receiuing or entertaining such pson into the towne. 

Priualedges &* voats. And that noe other pson or psones whatso- 
euer shalbe admited to the Inioyment of the priualedges of the place and 
towneshipp. Either in accomodaccions vets elections or disposalles of any 
of the Comon priualedges and interests theirof. saue only such as haue 
beene first orderly admited and accepted (as aforsaid) to the enio^-ment 
theirof. 

By vs C Simon Willard 
) Edward Johnson 
C Thomas danforth 

SEURALL ORDERS OF THE SELECTMEN. 

I. about recording Land. First of the ii***: mon. 1657: The Select- 
men meet at John Tinkers house. They order that eurie inhabitant of 
the towne that hath Lands Laid out to them for tim past. They do bring 
a pfect List of quantitie qualitie plac and manor of Lying of their said 



ifc!-r_"' "^ L ..■^.i* 



^P Lands 
H^ the Cla 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



53 



I 



Lands with Lheir seurall buls aad bounds betweene tliis and July nexl to 
Ihe Clarke of the Towne. ^¥llo is apoynted by this order fairly Id retord 
the same, in a booke to be keept as the townes Records for after posterity, 
And to preueni any difirence which may after arise through mistakes for- 
getfultnes or otherwise, in that pticuler, and the Clarke is alowcd foner 
pence for recording eurie vpiand Lotl. and fower pence for eurie eaiervaile 
Lot!, And for eurie accor of medow one penny, And for the Coping out 
of what hee recordeth. to ihose that desire it he is to haue halFe soe much 
as for recording. The like to be done by those 10 whom Lands be granted 
afterwards in one month after their Lands are Laid out, 

3. for waul of Land auordin^ to grant. That because some haue 
Complained they haue not all the Land Laid out that is granted to them, 
and som of iheir Lands are short of what they were Laid out for. And for 
which they Constantly pay rats. It \9. ordred that If any Ihe inhabitance 
shall Complaine and make it out vpon Just proofe they are short of Iheir 
due, in poynt of Lands, it shall bee made good to them in such place as is 
vndisposed of piided all such Complaints be made beefore the Last day of 
September next, vnto the selectmen. 

AigAwaiei amply recorded. Eight of the 12"': raon 1657. The 
Selectmen meet at goodman Kerleys, They ordred that at! bighwaies 
Laid out and allowed for the towne and Countrte vse. be amply recorded, 
for posteritie. and the way markes bee yearly repaired by slakes or other* 

highway iH Tho: Sawyers eiitervaile. That the ground Left fiue 
Rods widnes through goodm.in Frescots Entervaiie for a way be staked 
out two Rods and halfe wid for a highway and soe much as is Left to bee 
dealt out toward Ihe satisfiing of Thomas Sawyer Ids fiue accors wanting 
of his due of tweniie accors entervaiie, And granted by the Comittie, 



gateii in Comnn fetldi. Monday the 15"'; 12; mon 1657 The Select 
men meet at the house of Ralph Houghton. They agree that it is neses- 
carie that their bee fiue gales made and mantained at fiue senrall places in 
the entervailes on the east side of N.-ishaivay Riuer, for the more Conven- 
ient pasing along the highwaies. which lycth through the Corne feilds. 
where the fences are made against the Comons, And Comon pasturage 
Lands To say. at the entrance of that Comon feitd against good man 
Whits : two gates att the places where that highway paseth through Ihe 
two outside fences. Three gates at the outside of the fences alt the three 
places where the high waies enter into those feilds on both sides Nasha- 
way Riuer on the South side of the North Riuer. and doe or<ler. That 
those that are the pprietors of those Lands aforsaid doe Joyntly agree. 
And they or eilher of them are to make a gate att each place aforesaid, 
verie sufisiaot, and vsfuU hung and fitted by midsumer day next, And to 



1 \:^ i - c ' i7 - • V- " 1 c 



\_ * '■ • ^ 



Tir»n=iinc "ne ^mc -r^.m --lie :a "zm.^. \za ne Ji:::r:unr of ibc charge 
::ie:rif r^ :e ^-u»tn. ara •ne x^Toti. x :e* ^a lac r'fc'h.r. j c ti by ihc 



. jr:L' Tizy rtir-^L- -nrri fttrr:.i. _ jsi Ji "nann aeat iac aoc eunc 

;'^ir» n '±!e aiti Tiunrn -san jce ttjii 3«ss ii^uzKti. -w^c iiri beeae for- 
nery .moiu'-'s: .n la -nst mr jt - iiia-rriies. -vira ;ae nor 'ay^ied »-iih 
iiin. -c '^••'^.•v ill uiiTvaies i^ij—iiiri ir : i ii vl iar Zimcc V5«. in 2nd 
i;:i3ur :ae Tc^vTie . A:ii; tu ?e:r "iic wn." iiarsss :c sneiaat rj be noted 

Sc'tJ uu^~.\ V T'le fen^jmes "jii-x-itt ti«s«: lad ice .xxier. xhsLZ soc 
M-.onc; ia iJ Z-irir-i-^e Li:iiii icujc^aai :a :ne ir« iciu-sica ':r Laid out. 
Thich IS :u :ct; ictie -FTtn ill Jjn''*;menr soctri. Tjj: the sowne doe 
Z.:me ill roci^-'^r izc im-v Ijcts- xt -iseu* «cjaii ieoisioa ^^f £nter\'aile 
■vr.ich slu^l :e^.n:e vier -je ir« icusion ^nus ioii iixts±s«i Ci3«rae the 
r.uer x :he f;::^! -r:*:tr Lac 2*:e :c;:nii x'^vari:? tisis ;:iiiun trees. Asd other 
places , -v'ler :;a:tfr.-i.'e .s X'unii •■3c:*c«:s<i*i :f is iiur^saic- \ aoc eacreach- 
.n^T •:-:t:[i in; :cmer :rier "n^Lll "Je vncit; :Dt:'ii<i.oa re Corapleiied 

^^■'fz:9uz.t I't^: ^~-- '■'" .fr.-r.iM.-. M :aca;' .■* ir^c oc'iiie srst 3on 1657 
i c:^ rr.e va^ie ::'vic: ne<:. mc :je :rier> node ': •■ the selectmen, was 
niOxi :g ::iera T'^e licr^r; ::.- iS. rie :rier> i.ics^t :3ii: :t the ^if: w good- 
nan Vv'*;::e. Aic - .s -fieirirrt; Jr:ssei ::edu* le i^eoreti aot to speak 
II MS )wne Cauie. 

7*112 ;:.a:n -v^'-r-. Mi :e-n .^-c? .rrnc*;'! :'i~arri:r* a: x? -c t-ot 1:: jlt 'TI mrszery 

v.,,.7 t;.-^-^-;-. .--.^v •.-■ >,;.-■ /:_■ J ■«.- >: /.-^^ ^Tv ;»•' wcji' John Rigbic 
La: es :« ■ ' v le la! : .: : s ^1 - i«s Lo c: mc i 7. : j r- ■ i. ! c A 3ii r^ serie :h :e :in accors 
jf -?a»::i *: iin?.. A::i: :> L^: v^'-i .Vmi iz^'s .< ^^^^^ him a Spt^n^ of 
Tj i?r:i : ' V i.N 1 : .1 ' r' i - c r c "i :: ^ : r. . : .ie ; i 'i. r: ~j^;; : r>j k- izd west f the h igh- 
▼i/ 1:1:0:7.:-;^ T:i:r-i .t ".es**; rvi; icj-rj.. s:e dir ia it Sa:i^th north and 
=irj:th. 

If *-:....:: .'// ,v >:.: >._• ^z.t:'. NLT^ca: M-kicad is admited an Inhab- 
ra.-»r. i.-.'.; inzii^i :.i-r- iJLvr* ce vylozd :cr i "tccLsc Loct and tean accors 

y ^.T\r. T.-:-. :t5? The >ele'-trne:*. Tt^itt it ^oodixan Prescois and 
''■'.^< .'.i.:--. H :';:^ri:.^;i ind jic-js? rarer :j rii'ie-v the T^arkes ot and tor 
."ift -...i--. \\.-t>. i-:::rr::.-:^ :o titc order T:ade t>.e 15: \z nios last past no: 



.^ 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735. 



Monday 3'": of the 3'': mon 165S. On the Certaine intelligence of 
master Rowlandsoos intent of rcmoning from vs, the selectmen, treated 
with him 10 know what his minde was : And his answer was his apre- 
hentions were Clearer for his going, then for staying. They replied they 
feared his aprehenlions were not well grounded, but desired lo Icnow his 
resolucion. He said his resolutions weare according lo his aprehencions, 
for oil hee linew: Then the selectmen, Considering It was a case of 
nesesiiie for the towne. to look out for other suply, they told master 
Rowlandson that now they did Looke vpon Ihemselues as destitut of a 



ind should be forced to endeuor after si 









e discharging 



dehat -mith Master Rmi'lattdson. ffriday the 14"' : of the 3"' 



seoger Came from Belerica to fetch n 
which the towne (hauing notice giuen tb 
to desire him to stay and setle amongst v 
voated as followes. 



Rowlandson away, vpon 
1) Came logather, with intent 
And after some debate it was 



I. Voat for invitacon. Whethi 
invite master Rowlandson lo abide . 
of the 



r it weare the mind of the towne, to 

nd setle among.st them, in the worke 

The voat was affirmitiue by the hands of all held vpp. 

J. Whether it was their mind lo allow him for his mantainance fiflie 
pounds a yeare, one halfe in wheal. si>:pence in the bushell vnder the 
Curant prises at Boston and Charlstowne and the rest la other good Cur- 
rant pay in like pporcion. or otherwise fiflie and tiue pounds a yeare, tak- 
ing his pay att such rats, as the prises of Corne are sett eurie yeare by the 
Court. The voat was alirmitiue by the hands of all held vpp : 

3. gift of house and Land to master Roailattdson. Whether they were 
wilting that master Rowlandson should liaue the dwelling house, which he 
Liued in as his owne pp right according lo the deed made by the towne 
and Confirmed by the Comittle, with the poynt of Land estward and sum 
Land west and sum north of his house, for an orchard garden yards pas- 
lure and the like. This was put to the voale. and granted by the maior 
pte (and opposed by none but old goodman Kerley only their was a tieuler 
or Iwo) with this pviso. that it hindred not ihe buring place the high- 
waies. Convenient spac to passe to the Riuer, And the Land Intended 
to Ly for the next minister, to bee reserued Convenient to the entervaile 
Loit now improued by Henry Kerley, alt which was Left to the sellect 
men 10 Lay out according to their best discresion. 

master Rowlandson s acceptance. And vpon this master Rowlandson 
accepted of ihe townes invltacion. And gaue them thankesfor their grant. 
And agreed to the mocion Concerning his maintinance, And pmised to 



56 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

abide with vs in the best manor, the lord should enable him to improue 
his giftes in the work of the ministrie. 

grant of sum emtervaiU to John White. Tusday 22'-^: of June the 
sellectroen meet at the meeting house all but goodman Kerley, and agreed 
That vpon serious Consideracion ^pon the request of goodman White for 
the Land he hath plowed & fenced in the enten-aile towards the still 
riuer (hauing entred damage for want of his right in after deuisions being 
demanded &c) it is granted he shall haue it as his pprietie in pte of his 
after deuisions according as it is now fenced being mesured to bee about 
seauen accors : 



A MOCION ABOUT A SAW MILL MADE BY GOODMAN PrESCOTT. 

Munday y* 15: of the 9***: mon: 1658 att a training A mocion was 
made by goodman Prescott about seting x-p a saw mill : That on Condi- 
cion goodman Prescott would sett x-p a saw mill, for the good of the towne 
he should haue according to his desire viz : one pcell of Land Lying neare 
to his water mille Containing more or lesse one hundred and twentie 
accors ; bounded by the riuer and his owne Land, the end of a ledge of 
Rokes, and a stake, Joyning to his owne Land on the south west side of 
the mill pond : To bee to him and his posterity for euer in Consideracion 
abouesaid; And is to be more exactly reiX)rded when exactlv knowoe, 
alsoe that hee shall not be rated in any Rates for towne or Countrie for his 
sawes or saw mill, to be imposed by the towne, also for his said Land, he 
is not to pay any rats ^ill it Com to bee improued. And then to pay as 
improued Lands vse to doe And vpon this grant goodman Prescott did 
pmise and engag to sett vp a saw mill, in the towne bounds, with all Con- 
venient speed. And that the inhabitants of the towne, should bee suply 
with boards and other sawing on such termes as is vsually aforded att 
other saw milles in the cuntrie. 

On Monday 17^: of tfeb: 1659 ^^ Company granted him to £%!! pines 
on the Comons to suply his sawmill. 

It was not unusual to transact town business on training 
days. Similar examples are found in the records of other 
towns. There were by law eight training days in the year, 
and every able-bodied male between the ages of sixteen 
and sixty was enjoined to be present for drill. These train- 
ings were usually on Saturdays. The warning for a town 
meeting was a notice given by the constable in person to 
each voter, or from house to house. '"Att a training" would 



<. .[ *c 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 57 



therefore be a very convenient season for a special town 
meeting. 

Before' Prescott started his saw-mill, all houses of the 
town must have been rude structures of logs, hewn timber, 
stone and clay, for it was an impossibility to bring from the 
lower towns over the existing roads, and on the rude cart 
of the period, any large amount of sawn lumber. As lime 
was made only of oyster shells until about A. D. 1700, it 
was necessarily very costly. The first limestone discovered 
in the colony was at Newbury in 1697, and that in Bolton 
not much before 1736 probably, when Priest and Hough- 
ton's ''Lime Kyln" is mentioned in records. Roofs were 
often thatched, following the English custom. Thus, in 
the inventory of Steven Gates' estate, A. D. 1662, we find 
the item "thatching tools, 3' 6''." Chimneys were at first 
of logs well coated with clay, or of stone. The very old 
dwelling torn down in South Lancaster about 181 2, behind 
the Moses Sawyer house, had stone chimneys, as did that 
of Manasseh Divoll on George Hill. When frame houses 
were built, the timbering was very heavy, commonly of 
oak, boarded and covered with "clove boards." One of 
the first roadways westward into the woods was known 
about 1700 as the "clabord path," and in the inventories of 
the period that essential instrument in the riving of staves, 
shingles, and clapboards, the froe^ is often mentioned. It 
would be natural at first for builders to rest content with a 
single story, for few pioneers could aflTord more ; but after 
1658, with Prescott's saw-mill in successful operation, 
doubtless a few more pretentious structures arose. Daniel 
Hudson, a brickmaker and mason, was here resident in 
1651. Nails, large and small, and all other articles of 
constructive hardware were made laboriously by hand upon 
the smith's anvil. Paint was unknown. 

The complete destruction of all the dwellings in 1676, 
and the entire absence of any hint as to the construction or 
plan of a single building in the records of the day, leave 



58 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



US to pure conjecture as to their appearance. All we know 
about the Ruwiandson house is. that it had one flanker and 
another in process of building, and Hubbard mentions 
"a leanter." Neither is there anything detiniie on record 
respecting the church, the garrisons, or dwellings of the 
second generation in Lancaster. Sawyer's garrison had 
"gales," which implies a palisade. Gardner's garrison had 
an elevated "watch box," " flanker,'" and a "parade." all 
which is meagre description. If. however, we examine the 
most ancient houses yet standing in various parts of the 
commonwealth, and the representations of older ones that 
have disappeared, we can form from their more uniform 
characteristics some reasonable opinion respecting the com- 
mon style of early Lancaster architecture. In nine-tenths 
of the dwellings of that era in Massachusetts, as pictured 
til us in engravings, or the recollections of the aged, the _ 
roof will be t'ound a modification of one of two forms. 
When the house was two storied in front, it was most con)^ 
monly but one at the rear, the roof slope on that side ex-^ 
tending down to within nine feet or less of the ground.J 
sometimes with a change of pitch on a level with the fronts 
eaves. Another less common form was the gambrel roofj 
used on both one and two storied houses. Plain two pitched 1 
roofs were quite rare except for small structures. Some^l 
times the upper storj* projected a foot or two over the lower.- 
Porches or other irregular features were seldom seen.] 
Generally one huge chimney ascended through the center? 
of the house. When constructed with reference to defcD- 
sive purposes it was usual to line the walls with brick or^ 
flat stone, to make them bullet-proof. Doors were unpaD- j 
eled, with heavy wooden latch and a string hanging out'J 
side to lift it by- Windows were square holes in the walla 
protected by a board shutter, succeeded later by smaltl 
leaden sash with litde diamond-shaped panes of greenishJ 
glass. There are those living who remember such sash fl 
notably one in the Gates Tavern, The last log house inl 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 59 



Lancaster was probably that of Perley Hammond, the 
mulatto blacksmith, which stood near the west end of the 
Rigby, and on the Boylston road. 

about bridges, Monday the 3*** : of the 11"*: mon 1658. The selectmen 
mett at Thomas Sawyers and ordred ffor the Bridges ouer nashaway and 
the north riuer. It is agreed. That they that are on the neke of Land, 
doe make a cart bridge ouer tjie north riuer by goodman Waters, A nd 
they on the south end doe make a cart bridge ouer nashaway about ther 
wading place att their owne Charges. 

SUM ORDERS OF THE COMITIE P'CURED BY MASTER 
TINKER. PETICION TO THE COMITIE. 

To the worshippfuU maior Simon Willard Captaine Johnson and master 
Thomas danforth Comitie for the affaires of Lancaster. 

May it please you to vnderstand that since your session with vs, and 
Comision granted to such as you weare pleased to intrust in the pruden- 
cialls &c : the Lord hath succeeded our endeuours to the setling (wee 
hope) of master Rowlandson amongst vs, And the towne in some scilenc 
at least, and we hope in a good preparatiue to after peace, yett is it hard 
to repell the boylings, and breaking forth of som psons dificult to please 
and sum pettie differences, will arise amongst vs, pvide what wee can to 
the Contrarie ; wherfore bee pleased to Consider. 

1 querie, whether our power alreadie giuen bee not sufisiant, to add a 
small penaltie to the breach of our orders made for the good of the towne 
each neighbor &c eles it is a sword-toole and no edge. 

2 querie. Iff wee may not receiue power from you to hear and deter- 
mine of diffrences amongst vs vnder twentie shillings damage otherwise 
the opressed in small things beares his burden because tis a greater burden 
to goe far for ease 

3 querie. If our power reach not to giue, grant. Lotts deuisions, addi- 
tions &c of Lands medowes &c : if for good to the whole and ptes &c 
which wee see great need theirof. 

4 querie. Iff wee may Choose an artist amongst ourselues or other our 
neighbours to Lay our townes bounds. And make our returne theirof to 
acceptance : because master Thomas danforth and the worshipfull maior 
Willard canott be obtained, or either of them. 

Honoured gentellmen be pleased to resolue these Cases and vouchsafe 
vs an addicion to our power where defectiue in any of theis, as without 
which wee are, or seeme, of litle Curage, and by which through gods 
asistance wee may bee theirs and yours humbly to serue 

John Tinker. 



: :..."■. i:-j-i'j' rii Ir-r-i-je doc make reiunie 

:: - : vr- :.; :•,: stiecLmen to i moose an v 
..: ::■::• :.~j;f:r:iJ! orders not exceeding 

: : ■-;:.-; :. i.'r.irii:, ihree meete psons 

•_ ■ :... "..->*> ir.i ; resent them to the 

.... V:-: ■:.: tr.iizg anv Case vnder 

:- :::r :». v-j- :■:" ihe sellect men and not 
. • : r.. r.j.4.i ::t:r adresse lo the Com- 

? .•'.:• ::" ::e Coisitie to determine 
-. •..-.::• ::.'= i.-iIti'jlcc iheirof to their 

SlM^N WiLLARD 

.-.-.- 3.>- :. Ei^wARD Johnson 

Thomas danforth 

-. :•:> 7 : : i fairly drawne 

■. J-.:---. Ly; :h : from the entranc in 

- ..-•.i;: ;-;■;. d;^wne to the S^^-ann 
.. '■■ -: : fr.:ro.-^ke riuer: that is bv 

. .: . . -.i>:r: Row hndsons ground 

- : ■•V:.:*r> h:> h.irne betweene old 
.- -^..s ■\::h.'.rc Smithes now in the 

:•.-•> --k?ii r-Ji. att the Least fiue 

. - . •: :.> .VvT; be on the east side the 

: -. : ..-.: >>e :rom goodman Waterses 

- . •'. ..-.'.>. r.s :r.e breadth as is Laid out 

- >. . :. ^:..v.T..ir. I rcscotts Ry feild and 

; - .::>■.-. v'rri^se :he brook and vpp be- 

< .: >!.::> r.ue Rods wide; And soe 

^ A.-.\ ..._; -.:: >\ :he Concord and Lan- 
vs. ■.^■;". .-.is'.v "*mented upon. This 
,\ ^ '. x' '. \\Nv\v:. <:..;> :" \ :r. the eastern end and ex- 
.. ■," . . 'x- , ...: .;.. .. V :. :':::::er, the last section being 
. ■. ; -v \\.;\ ;.Si\: ..: :-c>e:i:. from the Atherlon Bridge 



« ■ % % « « 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 61 

road west, at right angles with South Lancaster street, 
over Roper's Brook and up the hill at the school-house. 

IVay to quasaponikin medow, one way : from goodman Waterses barne 
to quasaponigin medowes before the houses of goodman gates and both 
goodman Josllins &c : as it is Laid out and marked ; fiue rods wide and 
in the enteruaile 2 rods wide. 

This is essentially the present street from Sprague Bridge 
to the North Village cemetery, and the meadows beyond. 

To quasaponikin hill, one way : from goodman Breckes house through 
the end of his ground, and Ralph Houghtons James Athertons goodman 
Whites and goodman Leweises &c, to quasaponikin hill fiue Rods wide. 

The same highway is used now, along the east side of 
the Neck. 

To the mill, one way to the mill att the heads of the Lotts of John 
Prescott Thomas Sawyer Jacob fFarer &c fiue Rods wide from the Cuntrie 
highway to the mill. 

This is, with slight changes at some points, the street 
from the county road first noted, to the Prescott mill site in 
Clinton, which was on the brook just below the factory 
near the foot of Water street. 

Street in y* south end of yg^ towne. one way Called the Street or Cross 
way: from goodman Kerleyes entervaile and the rest of the entervaile 
Lotts : And soe south beetweene the double rang of Lotts : fiue Rods wide 
and soetowards washacome when it is past Jacob iTarers Lott: And 
alsoe Itt runes thefe'^ame widnes betweene the house Lotts and entervaile 
lotts northward to the wall nut swampe : 

This is now known as the Back Road, extending from 
Walnut Swamp along the eastern base of the George Hill 
range, past the school-house, and so south on a direct 
course for Washacum Ponds. 

from the Cuntrie highway to ye ententaile of Jo : Prescott soe to Wata- 
quadoke. one way from the mill way att the end of goodman Prescotts 
Ry feeild, to the Entrance of his entervaile fiue Rods wide, And through 
the entervailes ouer Nashaway Riuer and the Still riuers, to the outsid 
fenc, of Jacob ffarers Lott, two Rods and half wide. 



6z 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



This is the road from South Lancaster street over the 
Atherton Bridge. A portion of it, east of thfe river, was 
discontinued many years ago. 

Si'ay to rAt filumirfts &* groteu. Oneway: from that cntervaile way 
downe along all the entervailes to the Still riuer and towards grattcti on 
ibe easi side of the ritier two rods wide. 

The Plumlrees Meadows were in Harvard. This road 
had to be discontinued because of frequent damage by 
freshets, and the present highway to Harvard, on higher 
ground, took its place. 

1658. Several facts respecting the family of the first 
minister of Lancaster are found in the autograph report of 
administration, and accompanying agreement below trans- 
cribed from the Middlesex Court files. It is noteworthy 
that Master Joseph Rowlandson's mother and brother could 
not write their names. 

Sept y' 10 58 Wheras Mr Joseph Roletison had letters of Adniinis- 
iraEon granted him by Ihe Court held atl Cambridge Aprill 57 in refference 
to the estate of Thomas Rolenson Sen', late of Lankester deceased. This 
is to lesiilie the said honor" Court, that the said Administrator together 
with ihc relict of y' sd Rolenson & the rest ol his Childeren baue melt to- 
gether Si haue agreed concerning the dislribucon of the said estate vnto 
cache of o' full satisfaccon & content and this wee doe teslilie vnder o' 
hands & desier il may be recorded for y" securitie of y" said Administrator. 
the marke of (Er) Bridgett Rolenson 



Signed in ye p'sence 
IS Tho. Brauiil;rv 



the marke [R] o 



Tho. Rolenson 
Richard Wells 
John Eaton 
Joseph Rowlandson 



In all these particulars at o' meeting at Salisbury the 10"' Sept 58 wee 
were fully satisfied as followeth. 

Imp. That len pounds were due to ihe Administrator from the estate 
vpon a cleare accompt. 

It That more than one yoake of oxen should not be mentioned in the 
Inventory forasmuch as the other yoake was giuen to the three Children of 
the Deceased in his life time though vnknowne to the Administrator when 
the said inventory was made. 

It, That out of what remained after these deductions the widdow of 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 63 

the Deceased should receive her thirds, the eldest son (consideration had 
of what estate he had from the now Deceased in his life time) should re- 
ceive from the AdminisVator sixteen pounds — twenty pounds to the two 
daughters wherein they receive equal shares, And that which remains 
is the Administrators portion. 

This was the result of our agitation, and accordingly I haue acted in 
the Distributions that haue beene, and am ready to fullfill what remains at 
any time — who Desire to remaine The servant of my mother and 

Brethren in what I may. 

Joseph Rowlandson 

1658. John Whettcombe for and in consideration of three swine killed 
and spoiled by his three sonnes, doth hereby promise to pay vnto Steven 
Gates the sume of forty fiue shill. in wheate w*Mn a week after michael 
tyde next 1658 to be paid at his house in Sudbury the s"* Steven allowinge 
for the carriage of the wheate tenn shill 6^. 

Dat apr 2, 1658 John Whetcom 

28,, 10, 58 Jno. Whetcombe owned this bill in Court to be his act. 

Tho : Danf : Record^ 

To the hono^*^ County Court at Charlestmvn. The humble Petison of 
Jno. Whetcome humWy sheweth. That whereas yo' Petitioner hath set 
his hand to a note to pay fortie and fiue shillings to Stephen Gates of 
Sudbury. It was through my age and weakness that I did not consider of 
it that I had no right to pay anything to him, before he did duly make it 
apeare that I had damnified him, he did complaine before the deputie 
Gou' his worPP. that I or my Sonnes had killed and spoyled three of his 
swine in the woods, And made as if we stole them & with many threats 
which did somewhat amaze yo*^ petitioner so that I could not declare my 
case which is such as I have now gotten to be drawne vpp fairly in wright- 
ing» by which it may appeare to this honor' Court that 1 had not wronged 
Stephen Gates nor was indebted to him anything for w«'' 1 should agree to 
pay him anything. Wherefore yo"" petitioner being aged & weak and 
mean in estate hath wronged himselfe and family in loss of so much, be- 
sides by this means of glueing satisfaction there is an imputation of theft 
cast vppon mee and the family of yo' petitioner (to y^ great Greef being 
inoscent in that respect) and we are much defamed in our names and 
creditt, and therefore do humbly request this honor^ Court that our case 
may be considered, and my bill may be suspended vntill the next County 
Court and that then the case may be fully heard on both sides and deter- 
mined accordinge to euidenc and equtie and yo*^ petition*^ shalbe redy and 
willing freely to yeald vnto what is right and shall thankfully remain 

Yo"^ wor»"'' humble servant 

John Whetcombe 

[Middlesex Court Records.] 
The court decided that the bill must be paid. 



(",4 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



ORDKRS OF THE SELLECTMEN 

ni<»n«Iay th« 7"' : 12"' : mon 1658 the selectmen meet att goodman Pres- 
<<)tt.s all except >;oodman Kerley. 

I . hii^lnvay by i^oodfnan Kerley. They Consider againe about the high- 
w.iy .il»)n;: by goodman Kerley : And they Conclude it the best way and 
dt)r orcler that John more John Ru*(g and the rest apoynted to mend that 
hi);hway. doe chuse the l)est Range betweene the range of the Lotts, from 
the Corner of goodman Smithes Lott to the Corner of John Ruges on a 
line, and the brooke And to cut vp the brush of it, to make good that 
hij;h\vay and that the way extend on the Lott of John Tinker soe far as 
sunu* Corner or IClboe of the brook doe ly Comon to the way and he to bee 
nurtly satisfied tor it 

J /»/• hivitaiioH to tnaior liliiani i^cnt. They thinke meet and doe 
iMder ihai a leter of invitacion bee sent to maior Simon Willard, to com 
lo inhabit amongst vs, with such motiucs Concerning accomodacions as 
hath beene tornierly ppounded, and the hands of the select men afixed, 
And a copie «)t' it leserued. 

;. . ./;'•. v// ».v'// /..///i/ titk'ff! jrotfi Tiio SazLyer. at A'ashaway brittjt^. 
rho\ Older thai John More and Jacob rtarer take notic of what Land is 
lakon out ol Ihonias Sawxers entervaile by the Way to the bridge oucr 
Navhaxxax liuer : Anil make report to the sellectmen that he may bee sat- 
iNf.rd t\M ii. And aNoe \\\\\\ is they think meet for him to haue in Lew of 
It lo be ^.'onliimed. 

s \- ^.'v: •■;••. ••...•\ ^•^■ ':,'■. :K That John more mak knowne wlier 
'»e *iv'vMCN !i!*- diMvvis ot entervaile. And to l^ee satisfied, what is meet If 
::'. vr.vl' '.^luov aN is not Laid o:i! iM' sequestred. 

■...■• .I'v. ■.:■:'•"••.' A*.:/.". That master Rowlandsons Rate 

•r«* "M^'.x' to; {hr I aNt li.ut \ eare :ust to pay him twenty seauen pound 

•.xv*;» n'v." '.ii:;v .»!^; um vi'i.e ii^'.'.nx inj; half \ear >oe much att Rates as paid 

;.* ;>,' I ivr.:;o Ka:v Aui. \\\\\ ^ve 'iv.:^ h .v .uieii for the Last half year 

«>:; x\ -.^ v',^". ; \'k:.)u \\\ \'^< o,:e! -'.:<o^ of the former Rates to make vp 

.:.-■,.- V* a: !av\v^ narer on his request, hath 
-K ''.,M.s ; .v; .;\^»','. .;:: .*"!o v'o:\^'. :.^ s.\ . : : he south west Corner shall 
1 ••,.';. ;\x* ."i X- I\,N •- ■. -. i ^* no..:^ i^: ^.^ p".:,;-. in : And he is to Leaue 
I K.s . >- ^;v w- 1 ^^^ ^^ ;\ \';w,-. • .:> ..^.>. " ':: ^T.6. Thomas Sawyers: 

\'.; ., M • .- -.k'^.*"' V".- <t!-.,:; TV en meet att Ralph 

;.■..;■■.: when Ensigne Noyce 
, .» „, 1... .X .-. ; ..MX-.' • .X ;^.^.^. ■.• : -e-cx: do goe with him 

,0 inkt . I .-. . . X V , , . W . .vv • .^, .-.:-.i ;0un4j Jacob &rer to 



MASSACHUSETTS, 1643-1725. 



Carie ihe Chaine, And such other as Ensigne Noyce shall desire If need 
bee. And ihal a bargain bee made first betweene him and the selectmen, 
in behalf of the lowne. for his art and paines. 

tirdtrs fiir Layers out of LaiiJs and Mts. They doe Conceive it tneet 
when any Lands ar granted to be Laid out to any inhabitant, the Layers 
out to bee directed by the selectmen where and how. to preuenl after in- 



\ 



Noyes' original return, in Massachusetts Archives, cxii. 
page 115, is as follows : 

Aprill 7"'. 1659 In obedience to the order of the honoared general! 
Court 10 the now inhabilanU of lancaster layd out y bounds of lancaster 
accordinge 10 the sayd grants, wee begane at the wading place of 
nassua riuer and nitie a Iline three mille vpon a west north west poynt one 
degree westerly, and from the end of y* three mIL! we rune two perpendic- 
ular lines beinge fiue mills In length each line, the one line runing north 
north est one degree northerly, the other line running south south west 
one degree southerly wee made right angls ai the ends of the ten mille 
line, runing two perpendicular lines, ninninge both of them vpon an east 
south east poynt on degree esterly. one of the sayd lines beinge the north 
line wee did rune it eight mil! in length the other being the south line, 
wee did rune it six mill and a halfe in length and ther meeting w"* the 
. which is the line of the plantation granted to the peti- 
whos plantation is called Whipsuffrage and so runinge 
ir mill wanting thrc score perches to the end of their line at 
Angle of Whipsulfrage plantation and from the sayd angle of 
Whipsufrage runing six mille and three quarters ther meeting with y fore 
sayd east end of the eight mile line and soe period all the sa;d lines and 
boaods of lancaster which sayd grants rune eighty square r 

The deputyes approue of this returne. 
hereto. 14 October 1672. 

The magist' consent hereto prouided a farme of a mile square 640 acres, 
be layd oilt w'"in this bounds for the countrys vse in such place as is not 
already Appropriated to any — their brethren the deputyes hereto consent- 
ing. And that Major Willard, Ralph Houghton & Jno Prescot see it donne. 

Consented to by y deputyes Ebw" Rawson Secretary 

18.8, 72 William Torrev Clerk 

It will be seen from above dates that the survey or- 
dered in the grant of 1653 was not made until nearly six 
years thereafter, and when made, was not approved form- 



midell of the lir 
tion" of Sudbur 
their Ijne 



Thomas Noves 



66 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



ally until thirteen years more had elapsed. The final 
provision for a state farm may have been duly carried out, 
but Ihere is no aliusion to it whatever found in anv town or 
colonial record. Joseph Willard. Esquire, notes a tradition 
that the mile appropriated to the stale was laid out in some 
tract of little value in tin: south pari of the town. 

Noj'es' survey is explicit, and its lines can readily be 
traced in the boundaries of the towns that have been shaped 
within its area, as the map at page eight shows. The 
result was not a rectangle len miles by eight, as the lost 
deed of Sholan and the court's order .specified ; because 
when Noyes had run the south line six and one-half miles 
he suddenly encountered the north line of die Whipsuffer- 
age plantation, afterwards Marlborough, a line seven miles 
in length laid out several years before. Neither was the 
original Lancaster a trapezoid, as Joseph Willard, Esquire, 
supposed, but an irregular pentagon. Its area by Naves' 
record would have been exactly eighty and two-tenths 
square miles. But old surveys generally were liberal in 
measurement, and Lancaster's affords no exception to that 
rule. This is partlj' due to the "allowance" usual in such 
surveys, of about one rod in thirty for swag of chain and 
irregularity i>f ground. It is possible that the choice of 
"Jobe Whetcombe & young Jacob ffarer to Carie the 
Chaine," was based upon some known talent of theirs in 
that art. One thing is certain, the ten mile line of 1659, 
in modern maps stretched to over eleven miles, and the 
other lines followed a similar proportion. Noyes ran his 
ten mile line twenty-three and one-half degrees west of a 
true north, but this is not necessarily unaccordant with the ■ 
terms of the order of the general court, the words norths 
south, east and west, being commonly used in a relative j 
sense for northerly, etc. Possibly some fixed point wa»a 
given in Sholan's transfer determining direction, and cei^S 
tainly Sholan'.s heirs were in the vicinity to watch that th*^ 
intent of the deed was not transcended- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 



TAe iaading place of the Nashaway. Before the arrival 
of the Englishman with his axe, doubtless ail the streams 
uf Lancaster bore seaward a much less variable volume of 
water, and that perhaps fifly per ceat. greater in amount 
than since the hills and swamps were shorn of forest cover- 
ering. Men living have conversed with those who 
claim to have seen alewives and trout in streams now, 
save in winter and spring months, known only as dry grav- 
el beds. Hence wiiding places even for hcirsemen and 
cattle were infrequent in the rivers, and became important 
localities in our early annals. One of these appears to 
have been selected by Sholan and King as the centre of 
the township, and from it Noyes was obliged to begin his 
survey. The Nashaway is no respecter of any man's 
meles and bounds, and in process of time we find our care- 
ful historian, Joseph Willard. searching for this lost wading 
place, and finally deciding that it must have been "near 
the present mill bridge." To accept this would be to 
charge Noyes and his chain bearers, first, with making 
his three mile line considerably too short, and. secondly, 
with fixing his south line full thrce-tburths of a mile near- 
er the centre than his north line. Thomas Noyes was too 
experienced a surveyor to do this. Measurement upon the 
map shows that the " meeting of the waters" is very near 
indeed the middle of a north and south line through the 
old township, and but little over three miles from the orig- 
inal western boundary. Our mutilated town records seem 
to afford a clue leading in the same direction. In the tran- 
script of the oldest records of the proprietors, Prescntt's 
"Entervail Loti" is described as "on the west side of Nash- 
away Riuer part whereof Lyes bet-ween . ... is named 
in the court Grant for the center of the town at the meet- 
ing of the riuers" ; — the provoking blank indicating where 
some words were illegible to Caleb Wilder when copying 
the original book. Thus the evidence seemed likely to 
remain forever imperfect; but, fortunately, John Prescott, 



• ». ... -.. 



68 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



alone of the early proprietors, was so careful a man of 
business that he had all his land grants and contracts duly 
recorded in the County Registry- by Ralph Houghton, in 
1669, and there the missing words are found to be ** the 
wading f lace which ^^^ and the word '^aV^ to be an error for 
" andJ'' As the description of Prescott's interval proves it 
to be the same generally known today as the Thayer inter- 
val, we must conclude that Noyes' starting point was a 
wading place that existed very near indeed to the site of 
the Atherton Bridge. 

2:6: 1659. Lanchester is pressented for want of weights and meass- 
ures according to ye Standard & for want of A Sealler. 

Lanchester is pressented for daffect in a highway in their owne bounds 
toward ye Baye. Wittnes William Lewis 

[Middlesex Court Fi}es.J 

To the constable of Lanchaster. You are required to Wame 
some of yo*" Towne to appeare at >•* next County Court to be held at 
Charl-Towne the 2r* of this instant June, then and there to Answ' for>-« 
defect in the highway between yo*" Towne & >•* Bay & for witnes W"» Lewis 
& hereof you are to make a true returne vnder yo*^ hand, & not to £iile. 

dat. June i, 1659 ^X ThomaS Danforth Re 

Also yo' miller for want of scales & weights according to law. 

[Middlesex Court Records.] 

1659 June 21. Lanchaster is Injoyned to repa\Te the Highwayes 
within their bounds leading towards Concord, & in such places as Concord 
with y'" shall Judge most convenient, to be done before the next County 
Court at Camb\ on penalty of ten pounds fine : also they are to pvide 
thems. of weights »Sc measures for town standards, before the next Court. 

[Middlesex Court Records.] 

.Mr Danforth. 

Sir acording to yo*" warant we haue made choyce of 
Goodm. Lewis to serue on the Grand Juryand Nathaniel! Joslin for the 
pettie Jury and it is the request of the Towne that it may be spared from 
the servic of Fettie Jurors w*'^ we intreat if it be in yo' poW to do it yo*"- 
selfe, if in the Court then to ataine it for vs & we shall euer remaine yC 
obliged 

Lancaster i'"" 1659 John Tinker 

in the behalfe of the Towne of Lancaster, few weak & 34 miles of. 

[Middlesex Court Files.] 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 69 



ORDERS OF THE SELECTMEN. 

a repeale of a former \j}rder'\ about phibiting of inhabitanc. Munday 
the 4**': 5**^: mon. 1659. ^^^ Selectmen meet at John Tinkers house and 
doe order That notwithstanding, that former order that their should not 
bee taken into the towne aboue thirtie and fine families (the right vnder- 
standing of which is not soe clearly expresed) itt hath beene sine ordred 
by the towne and by the Comitie alsoe, that fiue or six families more then 
wear then in being should be admited for the good of the towne and 
church soe further it is Conceiued by the selectmen to be most for the 
good of the towne, that soe many inhabitance be admited as may bee 
meetly accommodated, pvided they are such as are acceptable, And their- 
fore that former order is repealed and that admitance bee granted to soe 
many as shall stand with the discrescion of the selectmen, And are 
worthie of acceptance according to the Comities apoyntment. 

goodman Wilder selectman. 26:4*^: mon 1659. Master Tinker who 
was one of the Selectmen apoynted by the Comitee, to order the afaires of 
this towne, he hauing remoued his dwelling to Pequid, the rest of the 
selectmen peticioned the Comitie that good man Willder might bee 
apoynted by them to act as a sellect man which was granted. 

ORDERS & DIRECTIONS GIUEN TO RALPH HOUGHTON 
ABOUT THE LAYING OUT THE 2 DEUISION OF MEDOW. 

Munday the 5 : ffebruarie [1659] the towne met at the house of Maior 
Willard to Consider of a way to sett forward a 2 deuision of medow ; 
And forasmuch as their was by a former act of the towne way made for 
the efect the work of Laying out a second deuision of medow first by sur- 
veying the medowes and men Choise to doe it theirfore the towne put it 
to voat whether that way should stand or noe which voate was as ffol- 
loweth. 

They that are minded to Carie an end the 2 deuision of medow ^cord- 
ing to the true intent of the order formerly agreed on by the towne, And 
heare Read before the towne, for the manor of it, only a new tim sett for 
the accomplishment of it, in Regard the tim that was sett is past, only the 
towne hath their Libertie to chuse new men and to agree with them vpon 
as easie termes as they can. They that are thus minded Let them manifest 
it by holding up their hands, the hands held vpp were 14. They that are 
otherwise minded Lett them manifest the Contrary by holding vp their 
hands, the hands held vpp were 16: which being done this following voat 
was Confirmed by the towne. If the towne bee minded that a man shall 
be made Choice of, and agreed with, forthwith to ^oe on with Laying out 
the 2 deuision of medow, acording to such orders and directions the towne 
shall agree of to bee his Rule theirin, and that 4 acres of medow to loo^J* 
estate be Laid out and to begin in such a place and soe to proceed from 



^^^19^ 



^o 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



mcdow to medow acordutK to such inslnildona as the lowne shall gtue 
wriiiag this iras Coolinned by a voai none descenting. 

A mocioD wan made by sum tbat If there v[a> any medow Left com< 
at after the 2 deuUion was finished, thai then such as did draw but litle 
medow by deuisbn might haue sum heipe and in answer when'nta this 
following voat past in the towne. They thai are in a minde that when a 2 
deuision of medow is Laid out of 4 acres to too" state, if any be left such 
as are in want and haue but a litle medow by Loti acording to order of the 
towtic shall haue sum suply out of the Remainder of the medow that is 
such as haue home Letts and beare a compilant charge in the towne this 
ordred by a loat of the towne to bee entred into the towne b'^ke as an 
act of the towne. 

to gfor^e Henit, Nextly a litle medow at Chesquonopog pond was 
granted to georg Beoit for his full proporcion to a 2 deuision of medow 
which was due to his grandfather Richard Linton 

nutio granted to suck as haue it in their 2 deuisien of i-pland, Ncxily 
It was granted that such as haue medow in their 1 deuision of vplaod haue 
their Libertie to take it for pte of their 2 deuisioQ of medow and to take 
9oe much Lesse where their Lot falls. 

Surveinrs order. Nexlly it is ordred that the Layer out of this 2 deui- 
sion shall and Is herby impowred to Carie an end the worke of this 2 
deuision and to Call fortli men eurie day soe many as he thinks hee Can 
dispatch their Lotts and ihey are to alend the worke and not depart vn- 
lesse the Layer out giue way theire vnio, And the Layer out of medowes 
is to haue a care acording to his best discresion that eurie mans Lott 
may be made equall in tjualitie, as neare as he can acording to his discres- 
ion and If any man neglect to atend the worke when he is Called by the 
Layer out. hce shall forlite double to an ordlnaric daies wage that soe the 
surveier may hire one in his Roome, that soe the worke may not be neg- 
lected. 

Ralph Houghton chos Surveior. And Ralph Houghton is Chosen to 
Carie an end the worke and he is to haue i', an acre paid within a month 
after the worke is done in marchanlable wheat or Indian Come and this 
worke to bee finished by the 24 of June : 

grant lo the maior to ejxkang mtdo. Nextly Libertie was granted to 
the niaior to haue 10 acres of medow or soe much as hee may giae to 
Simon Gats and Thomas in way of exchange for their medow at the Still 
Rluer and plum trees, And hee is to allow acre for acre at ihe brooke 
medow in that medow next to the pond to bee deuided in this :'' deuision. 

diitctions wher to begin and haw la pceed. Itl is ordred that the i 
deuision of medow shall begin at the northermost medow at the plumlrees 
and soe to Lay out all (he plumtrcc medowes, And soe to go 10 the great 
pond medow at the northermost end 0/ it in sum small peices betweene 



3 



»f 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



71 



the brooke medow and the pond medow, And when the pond medow is 
Laid out, then to begin at the northermost slipe of medow at the bar hill 
A nd soe to Lay out all the nearest medowes at the bare hill and 2 small 
peices that lyes south from goodman Whits second deuision. And then 
to follow the brooke eastward vntill all the bare hill medowes be Laid out. 
And then to begin at the furthermost medow at the north end of Long 
hill. And soe follow the medow westward vntill it com to the meadow 
neare to bar hill where John Whetcombe mowed. And then to begin at 
the north end of goodman Whellers medow and Lay out what is medow 
fit to mow towards master Josllins house and the medow by the bay path 
on the west sid the Long Hill and soe to a medow east' sid the Long 
Hill. And soe to the medow that shuts vp to the bay path from Wata- 
quadoke to begin at that end next to the bay path and to Lay out soe 
much of it as is fit for medow acording to the discresion of the Layer out 
A nd soe to follow that medow to goodman Sumners medow and the med- 
ows their that are Laid out, And then to goe to the medow that which is 
Comon by John Mors house. And then to follow the brooke what is Com- 
on below where Malbrow path Croseth the brooke. And then to begin at 
the south end of goodman Ropers medow and to Lay out such as is fitt 
for medow their and then to two Lide medowes neare to Malbrow path 
And then to begin at the east end of the medow vnder the side of the pin 
swampe. And then to sum medowes to the southward of that neare to the 
2 deuision of vpland of goodman Gats vntill 4 acres to loo^f state bee 
made vp, And If any other medowes shall be discoured they are to be 
Laid out in the Ranches wher they fall acording to the discresion of the 
Layer out. 

Which being finished and all the orders and instructions aforsaid 
agreed on, and the Lord being sought vnto for his blesing vpon his owne 
ordinance Lotts were taken as followeth without any disturbance or dis- 
traction : 



^ William Kerley sen 


I 


John Whetcombe Ju 


15 


Ralph Houghton 


2 


Steeuen Gats Sen 


16 


Mstr Joseph Rowlandson 


3 


John More 


'7 


William Leweis 


4 


John Houghton 


18 


Edward Breeke 


5 


John Smith 


19 


John Prescott 


6 


Jacob ffarer 


^ 20 


John ffarer 


7 


John Roper 


21 


Edmund Parker 


8 


Gamaliell Beman 


22 


John Johnson 


9 


Mordicai Muke Load 


23 


Thomas James 


10 


Thomas Josllin 


24 


Phillip Knight 


II 


Nathaniell Josllin 


25 


Jonas ffairbanke 


12 


John Whetcombe Sen 


26 


Thomas Sawyer 


'3 


James Atherton 


27 


John Leweis 


H 


Richard Wheeler 


28 



ANXAL5 OF LANCASTUL 



Wfrra.rs Ker^n Is 


39 


He=ricKrr^T 


35 


JmmJSkt Kfjm/tn 


S^^* 


Tbocsas W7(kW 


36 


Lawnract Waters 


31 


jofes Rass? 


37 


Imsk^ Gains 


32 




38 


JobaU'bhe 


33 


James Botier 


39 


John Rs2;bie 


34 






«->rk r- r*^-^-fc-»« 


■ iiA'« r* « «■■» 







Know all men by these presents that Ibraszcadi as the Inhabitants of 
Lanchaster, or the most part of them being gathered together on a trayne- 
iog day, the 15^ of the 9r^ mo. 1658. a motion vas made by jno. Prescx>tt 
blackesmith of the same tovne, about the setting vp of a saw mill for 
the good of the Towne. and y* he the said Jno. Prescott. would by the 
help of God set vp the saw miU. and to supply the said Inhabitants with 
boords, and other sawne worke, as is attorded at other saw mills in the 
countrey. In case the towne would gine. grant. Sl confirme vnto the said 
J 00. Prescott. a certeine tract of Land, lying Eastward of his water mill, be 
it more or less, bounded bv the riuer east the mill west the stake of the 
mill land and the east end of a ledge of Iron Stone Rocks southards, and 
forty acres of bis owne land north, the said land to be to him his beyres 
and assignes for euer, and all the said Land and eurie part thereof to be 
rate free vntill it be improued, or any p* of it, and that his saws, & saw 
mill should be free from any rates by the Towne, therefore know y* that 
the ptyes abouesaid did mutually a^ree and consent each with other con- 
cerning the aforementioned propositions as followeth. 

The towne on their part did giue, grant. & confirme. vnto the sjud John 
Prescott, his heyres and assignes for euer, all the aforementioned tract of 
land butted & bounded as aforesaid, to be to him his he}Tes and assignes 
lor euer, with all the priuiledges and appurtenances thereon, and therevnto 
belonging to be to his and their owne propper vse and behoofe as aforesaid, 
and the said land and eurie part of it to be free from all rates vntill it <fr 
any pt. of it be improued, and also his saw, sawes, and saw mill to be free 
from all town rates, or ministers rates, prouided the aforementioned worke 
be finished & completed as abouesaid for the good of the towne, in some 
convenient time after this present contract covenant and agreem*. 

And the said John Prescott did and doth by these psents bynd himself 
his heyres and assignes to set vp a saw mill as aforesaid within the bounds 
of the aforesaid Towne, and to supply the Towne with boords, and other 
sawn worke as aforesaid, and truly and faithfully to performe, fullfill, & 
accompIi^h, all the afore mentioned pmisses for the good of the Towne 
as aforesaid 

Therefore the Selectmen conceiuing this saw mill to be of great vse to 
to the Towne, and the aftergood of the place, Haue and do hereby act to 
rattifie and confirme all the the aforemencconed acts, covenants, gifts. 



. >\^ 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 73 

grants, & imunityes, in respect of rates, and what euer is aforemen- 
tioned, on their owne pt, and in behalfe of the Towne, and to the true 
performance thereof both partyes haue and do bynd themselues by sub- 
scribing their hands, this 25'^ day of february one thousand six hundred 
and fifty nine John Prescott 

The work aboue mencConed was finished according to this couenant as 
witnesseth. Ralph Houghton 

Signed & Deliv"* In presence of Thomas Wilder 

Thomas Sawyer 
Ralph Houghton. 

The above covenant has disappeared from the Town Records, and is transcribed 
from the Middlesex Registry, III, 400. 

1659. To the Honored Generall Court assembled at Boston. The 
humble petition of John Prescot of Lancaster humblye Sheweth, That 
whereas y' petitioner about nine or ten yeares since, was desired by the 
late honored Governour, Mr Winthrop, w'*» other Magistrates, as also by 
Mr Wilson of Boston. Mr Shephard of Cambridge with many others, did 
lay & marke out a way at y® north side of the great pond & soe by Lancas- 
ter, which then was taken by Mr. Hopkins & many others to bee of great 
use ; This I did meerly upon the request of these honored Gentlemen to 
my great detrim', by being upon it part of two Summers not only myselfe 
but hiring others alsoe to helpe mee, wherby my family suffered much : I 
doe not question but many of y** Court remember the same, as also that 
this hath not laine dead all this while, but I haue formerly mentioned it, 
but yet naue no recompence for the same ; the charge whereof came at 2* 
p day to about 10'? it is therefore the desire of y*^ petitioner y* you would 
bee pleased to grauut him a farme in some place undisposed of, which will 
engage him to you, and encourage him and others in publicq^ occasions, & 
y petitioner shall pray &c. 

The Comittee consideringe the grounds of this pet. do Judge meet 

that the Court be pleased to grant him 100 ace" of land, to be layd out 

adjoyneing to the lands that are layd out by ord"" of this Court to that 

Plantation 

Thomas Danforth 

Anthony Stoddard 

Roger Clap 

The deputies approue of the returne of the Committee in answer to this 
Pet. desiringe the consent of or honor** magist** hereto. 

William Torrey Cleric, 

Consented to by y* magists. Edw Rawson Secret, 

[Massachusetts Archives, cxxi, 31.] 



i66o. In obedience to the sraai of tbe htmovred geoenll Conn beld 
at boston ihe iS^ of October 1659. lajed out (o John Prescon of LancaS' 
[er oeare adjorniog to tbe west line of Lutcaster boonds his dna contayn- 
inge one hundred acres jomii^ to a great pond [WashacumJ on the 
northeast and allso joynii^ to a brooLe (niaaing out of the sayd pond^ on 
the south east with fuar acres of medow Joyning to the sajd pood and six 
acres of medow being vpon tbe sa}-d brooke — this being exactly meas- 
sured b]' me vnderwritten the 15 of Jajiuaiy 1660 

Thomas Novbs 

[MassochusFtU AtchinH. XLi~. Si.] 

r66o August 26. Roger Sumner was dismissed, that with other Chris- 
tians at Lancaster, a church might be begun there 

[Dorchester Church Records.] 

1661 April I. Lancbaster and Marlbury being presented for defect in 
weights & measures &c, are enjoyned to make returoe to y* next Court at 
Cbarlestowne that they are prouided according to law on penalty of for- 
feiting forty shillings a peice to y* Tres'ry of this Coun. 

[Middlesex Coun Records.] 

1661 April z William Lewis of Lanchaster is released from all ordnery 
trayneings. paying fiue shill. p Ann. to y* millitary Company of y* Towne 
where he dwells. 

[Middlesex Coun Records.] 

1662 Oct Lawrence Waters of Lanchaster is released from all otd- 
nary trayneings paying hue shillings p Ann. lo y* millitary Company of 
ye towne where he dwells. 

[Middlesex Coun Bteccnds.] 

SEURALL ACTS AND ORDERS OF THE TOWNE IN THE 
YEAR 1663. 

The towne being Called together orderly by the townsmen to consider of 
seurall things that were propounded to iheire Consideracion namely to pc- 
ticion the Comitie to meet and to haue a hearing of seurall actions of tbe 
townesmen since they did belrust them lo act as townsmen in diis lowDe, 
And If the Honoured Comitie see Cause to Returne Libertie into the towns 
hands, againc to act in their owne prudencialls as other towns and seurall 
other proposisions. which were propounded 10 the towne. the Lecture day 
before the towne meeting which are here following vpon Record. 

7'A^ tiTwnti mens dttlaritcion lo the lawiu. To our Brethren and neight- 
liours the inhabitance of this towne of Lancaster, by the pvidenceof god. 
irora.smuch as for the lim being the townsmen of this place are not called 
by the inhabitance as in other towns, which as we Coneeiue. by the mo- 
cioo and allsoe by sum expresions of seurall of our Brethren and neight- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 75 

hours that theire is not such a louing Concurance, as wee could desire, 
That If it bee your desire to haue the Libertie to Chuse oficers, and to 
order the pnidencialls of the towne as other towns ; If our indeuors herin 
be of vse to you, And alsoe accptable to you wee desire to blesse god for 
it, but If not wee desire not to Great trouble to ourselues and greife to our 
Louing Brethren and neightbours, but Rather Chuse this Louing tender to 
you, which is as you know the betrust Comited to vs was by a Comitie 
apoynted by the Honoured genrall Court, which If it bee 3'our desire, wee 
shall Louingly and Cordially Joyne with you to peticion the Honoured 
Comitie to apoynt a meeting and to haue a hearing, of what hath beene 
acted by the townsmen heare, since they Comited the care of the pniden- 
cialls of this place to vs ; And If any bee greiued at any thing that hath 
beene acted, that then and theire they may be eased. And If the Comitie 
please to Returne Libertie in to the towns hands wee hope it will bee as 
accptable to va as vnto your selues. And If this be your desire as aforsaid, 
we Conceiue this to bee the only way to ataine it. 

dated this 3:11: mon : 1663 Simon Willard 

John Prescott 
Thomas Willder 
Roger Sumner 
Ralph Houghton 

SEURALL PROPOSISIONS TO THE TOWNE BY THE TOWNS 

MEN. 

Theis seurall proposisions were made to the towne being orderly as- 
embled to that end. 

I John Prescott saith hce neuer drawed medow for his estate on the 
towne booke, but yett notwithstanding he hath 12 acres of medow ; tho 15 
acres would haue beene his due by his estate only he hath 12 acres of 
swampe which hee hath paid as much Rats for as tho it had beene medow, 
which he accounts a double wronge to him, his desire is that the towne 
would Consider it, he is willing to take the 12 acres of medow for medow, 
and soe to pay for it. And the swampe for soe much medow as it is worth, 
according as the intervaile swampe is ordred in the 2 deuision that is fower 
acres in Lew of an acre of medow in the 2 deuision : 

This p^posision was granted by the towne fully soe that the said John 
Prescott hath with the aforsaid swampe acording to his valueaeion of it, 
his full piX)rtion of medow that his estat would haue drawne in the first 
deuision of medow, this was granted 2 : 12 : m 1663. 

2 John Prescot desired 12 acres of medow to bee Laid out to him or 
his asignes that hee bought of John Caudall, it being soe that eurie man is 
serued with medow in his first deuision. 

The towns grant was that the said John i'rescott should haue the 12 
acres of medow which hee bought of John Caudall it being soe that a true 



76 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 




title theirvnio did apcarc. TTiough his ingemiitic Lead him to Lett i 
vntill all the first deuisioti was scmcd with medow. this was voalcd 
none descunted. And it is herby ordrett lo bee Laid out to the said good- 
man Ptescoli or his asignes, in a peiee of tnedow aboue good roam Will- 
ders at the ponds their heing 4 acres as it was formerly Laid out for daou 
allin And a hlle pwice of medow at the south end of the bar hill 
ihe Rest in a Corner of the great medow at the pond medow, tl 
granted the z : 12 : mon 1663. 

3. That the towne would thinke of sum way to Rectifie Lands 
3 deuision in Regard of sum inconveniencies that arc fallen out accedcn- 
lally. 

The grant of the towne was that maior "Willard Koger Sumner and 
Ralph Houghton are by a voat of the towne. Chose lo pvise the transac- 
tions of ihe 3 deuisioa, And to put things in lo sucti [shape] as may be 
for the Comfort and peace of the towne for the present and future. And to 
make Relurne iheirof lo ihc towne thai soe way may be made for the Re- 
cording Land in the 2 deuision. this was granted the 2 : 12 ; mon : 1663. 

4 Proposision to the towne was that the towne would Consent that 
John Houghton might haue Uberlie to Lay downe a halfe home Lot being 
that he had a lott and halfe granted by the towne, this was granled by the 
towne. I; 12: mon: i66j: 

5 proposision lo the towne was lo Consider what to doe about the 
minister's Land in the posesion of John White, this ivas agreed on by a 
voate of the towne as followeth ; Those thai are in a minde that Henrie 
Kerley shall liaue that inten-aile Loll which was intended for the vse of 
the ministrie, which soe much difrence halh beene about, together with a 
home Lott, which he is to take vpp in sum place yet undisposed of, for 
peace sake this wee tender in Case it will be accepted of, otherwise ihe 
Case to stand as ii doth at present betweene vs ; And the towne to pcecd 
as they see Cause or as Counsell may advise for their Becouring their owne 
interest theirin, this was voated and none descenting but John Prcscolt 
and Lawrence Waters who voated neagatiue, but at the same cim Hcnrfe 
Kerley being present would not acept of it. 

Theirfore the towne made Choice of John Prescolt and John More and 
by a voal of the towne they were impowred lo act in behalfe of the towne. 
And lo psecut the towns Case Concerning the Recouring the towns Land 
staled for the vse of the ministrie and kept byake from the lowne by Henrie 
Kerley notwithstanding such Louing tenders as halh beene made by llie 
towne. And the towne pmiselh to beare the Charge herof. And they are 
10 vse all such means as their discresion may Lead them lo, or as Counsell 
may advise them lo. this was Confirmed by a voat of Ihe lowne: 1: 12; 
mon; 1663 

but presently the same day before the towne the pprosision aboue said 
of the towne, to Henrie Kerley lo giue him Che intervaile Lott and vpbuid 



IViU- 

M 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 



77 



Lolt aCorsaid was accejjled of by Henrie Kerley. A nd granied by the Inwne 
for the acceptance Iheirof ivilnes my hand Henrie Kerley. 

6 aL'l (il the luwne wa.s that goodman Prescott goodman Willder and 
goodmau Roper are Chosen to veiw a lowne way that Lyelh betweeoe the 
Lott of John Roper and that which was John Johnsons Loti And to see 
what defect may be in it And make Report to the lowne what is needful! 
(o bee done, that soe Course may be taken tiieirin. thia was voated by the 

The town way here designated was the first over the 
George Hill range, that which turns from the main road 
bv the school-house. 



7 John Pfescott and Ralph Houghton are made Choice of to veiw sum 
waies on the neke that are desired by sum and denyed by others, they are 
indiferenly to see the waies and to heare what is to be said by both parties, 
And to make Report to the lowne : that soe due course may be taken 
theirin for the best good of all. And John Roper is Chosen a third man 
this was voated by the towne The 2:12: raon : 1663 

8 The lowne granted to James butler a halfe home Lott, And he is 
10 haue 10 acres of vpland for a halfe home Lott and iwentie acres of vp- 
land for a halfe home Lott of intervaile. And to take it where il is not dis- 
posed of. neither to any ptieuler pson or in the Staled Comoii, And he is 
to haue other acomodacion suitable acording to his estate. 

9 lit is ordred by the towne that all gifts grants acts orders Conclu- 
sions and Records, acted ordred or Recorded, by the lowne Townsmen or 
Comilie. shall liee and is herby Confirmed and Ratified by llie lowne, from 
the begining of the plantacion to this day : this was voated and Con- 
firmed none descenting this 2 ; la ; moa ; 1663. 

10 Itt is ordred by the towne and voated that the Comilie apoynted to 
haue the ouersighl and Cliarge of Rectiliing the 2 deuision shall and is 
herby desired and impowred to see theis acts of tlie lowne, al iheis towne 
meetings theis two daies entred and Recorded into the lowne booke 

Lastly the towne agreed 10 Chuse townsmen and did Chuse maior Wil- 
lard John PrescoU Thomas Wiilder John Koper and Ralph Houglilon 
townsmen for a whole year next insuing after tlie date herof. 

And Ralpli Houghton Chosen Clarke by the towne for this yeare And 
is to haue 2"': iS-.- for hLs Labor theirin. 

The power of the townsmen from the towne, is to order all the pruden- 
ciall afeirs of ihe towne only they are not to dispose of Lands A nd they ar 
lo further a 3 deuision of medow to bee Uud out. 

Theis seurall acts of ihe towne in this page, And sum on the other side 



78 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

that beare the same date with this, was agreed on by the towne, the day 
before ; the towne being then Legally asembled, to Consider on this day 
aboue writen. 

AN ACT OF CONFIRMACION FROM THE COMITIE 

Theirfore it is emestly desired that the Honoured Comitie would be 
pleased to put fprth their power, to Ratifie and Confirme this act of Con- 
firmacion of the towne. And alsoe to giue Libertie to the towne to Chuse 
townsmen within themselues, soe Long as your selues se a louing Concur- 
ance theirin, among ourselues. And in soe doing your worships will ingage 
vs yours in all Christian seruice. 

dated at Lancaster 6 march 1664-65 

gentlemen and louing freinds 

Wee haue alltho through straits of tim but breifly pvsed \fi€rustd\ 
and considered what you haue aboue presented. And doe with much thank- 
fiillnes to the Lord accknowledge his &uor to your selues, A nd not only 
to you but to all that delight in the ppitie \prosperity\ of gods people and 
children, in your louing Complyance togather, that this merde may bee 
continued to you is our emest desire. And shall be our praiers to god. 
And wherin wee may in our Capasitie Contribut their to wee doe acount it 
our dutie to the Lord and you. And for that end doe fiily Concure and 
Consent to your pposalls for the Ratifying of what is, And for Libertie 
among yourselues, obseruing the directions and Lawes of the genrall Court 
for the election of your selectmen for the future 

dated ; 8 : i : f| SmoM WnxARD 

Thomas danforth 
Edward Johnson 

CLceptance to gpodman Hudson, Satiu^y 26 : 9 : m : 1664. ^^^ towne 
meet at the meeting house to Consider about seting forward a second deui- 
sion of medow. And good man Hudson being newly Com vp to inhabit 
desired acceptance to the priueledges of a townsman. And his mocion was 
granted and acceptance giuen by the towne. • 

grant to Ralph Houghton. Libertie was granted to Ralph Houghton to 
Lay downe an acre of medow at the great pond medow and take it vpp in 
that medow by John mors house by a voat of the towne. 

grant to goodman Rogers. The towne gaue Libertie to goodman Rog- 
ers to take in a litle Comer of the Stated Comon, Leaning out soe much of 
his second deuision vpon the pine hill neare tq/qu'^asaponikin brooke and to 
be mesured by the surxeiers soe that the Comons may not sufer damage. 

Libertie to mordicai. The tov^-ne gaue Libertie to mordicai mukeloade 
to bring in 50*** estate to enter into the towne booke to draw Land and med- 
ow by in a second deuision And to haue Comon Right suitable. 



.&.. . ^ . ' Ik 



.... i.T'jt.MJtrL:.- ■ '■ -w \'*A 



graut le James Butler. The towne gaue Libertie to James Butler to 

ijiaue a Rode of vpland in breadth, to set a fence on ai the side of [he 

Liien ax:res of [nler\'aile which he bought of goodman Josllin. 

way eras Ihe ueke. The lowne fully impowered John Preseott John 

Rojjer and Ralph Hougliton to veiw the high way Crosse the neke to quas- 

,ai>omkin, And to Lay it out If they se cause. 

grant to goodiium Prescotl. The towne gaue Libertie to goodman Pres- 
eott to take up a slipe of medow ground Runing through the most part of 
great pine plalne that Lyeth smherly of hLs Corne milte, which he is to 
aue in Leiw of two acres of medow, formerly granted him in a corner of 
the great pond medow which was granted vpon the account of John Cow- 
daJ) and he is to take two acres Lesse their. 

grant to Master day. z ffeb : 1664. at a genrall towne meeting It was 

'pon the Receit of a leter from master Steeiien day of Cambridge granted 

the said master day should liaue a huudred acres of vpland tweniie 

of it for a house Lotie and to pay lo' a yeare as other men doth and 

wertie acres of it in Leiw of an Intervaile Lotl and to pay as other men 

ith for an intervaile Lott, And fowertie acres in I*w of a 3 deuision 

.d to pay as other men doth for Land in the z deuision And this Land 

be Laid out neare to VVashacombe near to the outside of the bounds and 

: is to haue aoe other acomodacions in the towne but only that hundred 

icres as a farrae. 

2 deiiision of medawconfirmtd. It was ordred by a voate of the towne 
that the second deuision of medow acording as it is alreadie Laid out is 
berby Ratilied and Contirmed : 3 : 1 2 : m : 66. 

grant to goodman Sawyer . It was granted that goodman Sawyer should 
ue six acres of Land Laid out to him Joyning to Washacombe title pond 
' and in Consideracion of three acres of Intervaile that he wanted in 
rsure vp nashaway Riuer. I: 11 : m : 66. 

1667. To Ihe Honoured Countie Court inajestrats and grand "Jurie. 
The humble petition of Sargant Wiltder for and in behaife of Ihe Inhab- 
itants of Lancaster hnbly sheweth. That forasmuch as the towne Lyeth 
VQder a presentment for want of a stoke of powder and other A munition 
to Law. And also the Honoured general! Court hauing made 
lepesiall pvision and giuen strict charge to the chiefc olicer of eurie Com- 
lie to be pvided acording to Law, it must be confesed to our greife thai 
wee aredefectiue, tho means hath been vsed by the towncsmen and course 
faken for the pvidingof a town stoke yett notwithstanding by Resonof the 
aralcof powder and the Low Condicion of seuerall of the inhabitants part 
wanting, but by the beipe of god wee will indeuor a Restoracion thereof 
id alsoe of such defects as may be found in the Companie for want of 
mes and amunidon acording to Law ■ Therefore your humble peticioner 



:»r.! 



-. . Vr: 



-•.t-.i :-*e 



- .-::.- . .ice ol 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725- 8l 

publique meeling to atend ihe publique ocasions of the lowne vpon pen- 
ultie of Loosing thdr voate in such traDsaclions of the lowne. that may be 
acted by the towne in their iibsence and nlsoe pay 2 shillings to the vse of 
the towne to be leuied by ihe Ciinstable in Case it be not paid without, 
vnlesse sum thing more then ordinarie doe apeare to preuent theire being 
ibeire. And such as haue any thing to suiest to the towns Consideracion, 
whether it coocerne the towne in generall or any ptieuler persons case or 
Condieion, such persons 10 bring it in to the Clarke or selectmen of the 
towne to take a Record of them that soe theire may be order aiended for 
the more specdie Isuing of busines by the towne, And tliat the towne 
Chusc moderators 10 that end, to Consider what is nesesarie to be done 
And 10 se that order be atended. And that nothing be acted afier sun 
sett, this was voated and Confered by the towne. 

The latter portions of this act are interesting as foreshad- 
owing the formalities lliat govern the calling and manage- 
ment of our modern town-meeting ; while the first provision, 
read in the light of recent experience, seems fully worthy 
of being rehabilitated. 

ORDERS ABOUT MAKING AND MAINTAINING HIGHWAIES 
7: &8: 13: moa: 1669. It was ordered that the making and Repairing 
of highwaies the' Charge and Cost theirof shall be Raised from the Rate- 
able estate of the towne. namly Catcll and Land and other estate as it is 
to the Cuntrie Rate, And medow as it is to the ministers Rate this was 
Confirmed by a voate It is aboe agreed by a voat that the I.ast yeares 
worke to the high waies shall be Regulated by this Rule aboue writen. 
And that all highwaies for towne and Cuntrie or any perticuler pson that 
is alreadie La[d out or to be Laid out shall be made and maintained vpon 
a publique charge, acording to the order aboue expresed this was Con- 
firmed by a voate. 

ori^r about the 2 britiges. And it is alsoe agreed and ordered by the 
towne that the two bridges alreadie built namly nashaway bridge and that 
bv goodman Walerses arf to be maintained and I'pheld by the publique 
towns Charge, acording as the lowne order prouides for in making and 
maintaining other highwaies. And the time to begin is this 2 of februa- 
tic, i66g about the maintaining and vpholding the bridges, (only) If the 
towue thinke It may be for the saflie of the north bridge that the Cages be 
put downe, that then they shall be sett downe vpon the nekes Charge the 
jirst convenient optunitie, this was.alsoe Confirmed by a voate. 

iuruing -ajoodi ts* vthving fenc to bi paid by yi loume. It was ordered 
Ihat the burning of the woods and veiwing of fences, the Charge theirof 
be pa.id by the towne in the same way as the Charge of the highwaies is 
defhud this was alsoe Confirmed by a voate. 



82 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

grant to gpodman Leweis of mtdow. In Reference to goodman Leweis 
Complaint about his second deuision of medow, the towne being willing 
to helpe him with sum alowance. And after seuerall waies ppounded to that 
end & yet the end Could not with safde and Conveniencie be atained, 
seuerall of the Inhabitance ofered to Contribut freely out of their owne 
proprieties. And to takesoe much Lesse in theire deuision where It fidls in 
the medow that is Comon. namly the maior giues an acre adioyning to his 
owne at the brooke medow And three quarters of an acre at the frx>ge hole. 
Goodman Prescott halfe an acre Coperall More halfe an acre John Hough- 
ton halfe an acre George Benit halfe an acre goodman Sumner halfe an 
acre goodman Rogers a quarter of an acre goodman Beman a quarter of 
an acre Ralph Houghton halfe an acre vpon Condidon the maiors three 
quarters at fix>g hole be giuen to John Leweis, And by the Consent of the 
towne this is to be mesured out of the comon medow as sone as their may 
be a convenient optunitie : tlus was confirmed by a voat of the towne. 

SEUERALL OTHER ACT[S] OF THE TOWNE IN THE 

YEA RE 1670: 7: & 8: 12: MO. 

Jo, No^Attms gram/. It was granted John Houghton to Lay downe 
twentie acres of second deuision Land for a high way on the south side of 
deans brooke. And to take it vp againe in a plaine neare his medow this 
alsoe was Continned by a voate of the towne. 

Deans Brook seems to have derived its name from that 
Samuel Dean who signed the town covenant in 1653, but 
has no alter connection with Lancaster history. The 
bnx^k retained the name for a hundred years, but before 
1760 became known as "Gutleridge**' or Goodridge Brook, 
tri>m a familv that lived on the hill half a dozen rods 
north of the railroad bridge over the highway between 
Clinton and Lancaster. 

i'^"*j> ^K^xf J^sxJ /.»"'?< •* .','••*,*« /«' SmrTisJi tflec^irds If'askacombe, 
XUt towne onicrcxi ;HAt ovx-inan urer goc^iToan Wheeler goodman £ur- 
IvAwkrs ^xxinun K;^cSTf TSv^nvis Wr.'der and Hencrie Kerley hane theire 
Lil^MXie to l,A\ ^ionnc :he:r lunvi jxvvinded Kv, lying by geo i ge s hill, pro- 
uuW, thex JiV, Aj^T^e* o:he;^:s:e tSey jire :n5o>T>ed by this onier to lay out 
thci: l.o::^ ^> :bo l-^s: o: \U:ch ^v v^iSec^rise :o pay all such damages as 
anx '^^::cu>: r.\ji:i in iV v"or.".j\ir.:c sXil' ^ustaiae. And they haue theire 
li'y^rae ;o ukr iVi^t' Line :r. :!i*^~ other piace or places, this was Con- 



K 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735. 



83 



Order abvut Com, meiitrw. The towne ordered that the towns men as 
a comitie should modle out a. way for the deuiding of the Comon medow, 
And in ConvenieDt time 10 present theire thoughts to the lowne and to be 
inquisitiue of psons to find out what medow their may be Comon within 
the lowne, And If any know of any comon medow, they are 10 make Re- 
port to the towns men. this was Confirmed by a voate. 

alowance to nbra. Josliit for a highway. Munday 30: il ; mon 1670, 
The towtis men meet al maior Willards house and ordered 10 alow Abram 
Joallin for a highway taken out of his land at long hill. Lying by bis house 
to the medowes al Long hill, and alsoe the Cunlrie way. And he is to haue 
two acres for one and Kalph Houghton is to Lay it out as speedily as 



moo: 1670. In Reference to 

i about sum Right to a lott of 

ul by master day After serious 

e thought he might haue sum 

ie acres of vpland in Consid- 



etirge adams grant. Munday 6: 11 
george Adames proposition to the town 
Iwentie acres which was formerly laid 01 
CoQsideracion and debate about it, the toi 
Right theirvnto. And haue granted him si 
eracion theirof And he (0 pay for land improued and Calell and other 
Ratable esl.-ite. to all publique Charges, And he is to haue Comon priuii- 
edge. for feeding Catell only ; togather with timber and lire wood for theire 
owne vse in the place, but noe other Right to any other Lands either in 
Comon or to draw by deuision, the said geiirge togather with his sonn 
John, both of tfiem ingageing for them selues their heires and asignes 
neuer to disturbe or trouble the towne or any man in the towne about any 
former Rights titles, or Charges expended in or about the plantacion or 
any Lands theirin Contained the said Land to be Laid out where it b 
Comon Land southward of washacombe great feild neare to the Line of 
the plantacion And he to be subject to towne orders. 

George Adames 

his (o niarke 

John Adames 



This closes the entries in the town book by Ralph 
Houghton, ahhough in the Book of Lands his signature is 
attached to record.s until the year of the massacre, 1675 ; 
and again upon the resettlement in 1680 and 1681 his pen 
was resumed in behalf of the town, as appears by a peti- 
tion to the General Court. The next year another was 
chosen clerk. Ralph Iloughlon's term of service, includ- 



-. -- ..• —J. .AiTER. 



:-:^ -Jii -■; IT ; t^j-- -Milt i:it z.-xn was deserted of its 
re.r.z. -. i^ r^. rjir-r.-s : --tr?- Z'^z6—i682. He was a 
^vvi -c-Tr - L.T'.:. 1'- :.r> ~ •" :f arfairs- If an v of his 



: .-:>."^r . ^ ::::-i i ^'11 vr:-rrr. : r :•■ dred land to anothcTi 
,• :; -< -0 i Tr-:- - 7: J --:. Rjlrh Houghton's pen vi*^ 
j^r,.--* : >^ >^ :.:i -.;i :":r 1:1= -^-rk. He was among ^^ 
■r>: : .,::^s: ' ^ - • . -- :: "^-t : :-.-±-i-t- and, though a ya^^fi 
■.•::.i". :;•. V a: 7:; . - . -r.-e™ rlive in the councils of ^^ 
:*'..;:r..i.'. ::. ':i. x--:-* :: :.j.^t "id entire charge of ^^ 
bu> : ?:>> ,' :~; 7: 7-:: .sj-3 :■- r :• ;:r thiny years. sur\e^'*"g 
aVvI vv.-^l •.*.;^ ^.>j~- -jii"? fiiT^ in the several divisit^^s* 
lU* .:\xv. u:v:: :~i r-L>: 5ii«i :" -le neck, not far prob»Wj 
uv:r. N-.c.^ !.;> y-.">.< -^>:iT:i:e. bu: upon which side <^f 

• '».» *•• » "■* ■» ■■** ■•^ ."••■"" ^ ■ I ■ "*! ' ,~ * ^ " '5 

v.^ p-Av. S:^.'. tr.- >-.\:^ii;v R^ir". Houghton as clerk* 
:>.c lo.'.ow::*^: rx:v. V. ::" -V.> ilzvi.r. r^irg irom the files of 



..x^xXvV. * ^ - : ■ 



, •<;*!: i.^ ::• giue you Notice thai 
.:■:■= :■ l-iici*:cr chosen to be Garkc 



c^. 



:> A::;>i< J*icauel Beaman 
r X Consiable of Lanes*'. 






^.M* S:ooNo::s* :.'a" 'i.;^--< " r.t ..re extant. He was, 
\\ ^woNOv* vr. r*.i."* ^ i." ^ ^"" *"^^"^re ."t lour years, rle 

;f vT r.5:-;r".v *":r >everal vears, and 
< ..ri -:: r^re in the County and 
•<" -.;:-.>.■;: 7 ir.c rhetoric were florid 
latluM th.rn CA-. ■:. - "'^ --> """■^- *:i:nature was some- 
1,UK^ .1 m-uvv". . i. ■ V -i:-.. " Cj.rriAP. Steevens was the 
\vMi»>:^st s<-.«. .■: ».^■. " ->■ >:i^--*ci" Devonshire, Eng- 
l.Mul.'.»<ul .-.r.v.o :: ■ :.••.■.■ " :rcvv January 22, 1672, 
» iK,>i> i'>»-* -Wv;'.:-. -".A .- '. i..-* , "vi. he married in L>an- 

, isUM . Mai V . •• '-■ v:... ,: ...^ r - :■ M..;. - ^ira ^n Willard. Their 
.luU'Mon NXO.V M-.A. vr-. N . - ::. 1072: Dorothy.—: 
Su«uM». »vr.'. •.-.^ r->: ■•-. •- :- •■' >= E::iabcth. bi>rn about 
»i>S» : and 1. si ph. — A< ir. :.n:.; his wife is named Ruth, 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 85 



he must have contracted a second marriage. The time and 
place of his death are not matters of record, but his name 
appears as witness in Lancaster as late as 1713. His 
career, as deduced from the court files, gives evidence of 
more energy than discretion. At one time we find the 
Natick Indians complaining that he had far exceeded his 
constabulary authority in levying upon goods of theirs, 
and he was compelled by General Daniel Gookin to refund. 
Within a year thereafter he is convicted of selling powder 
and shot and three gallons " of strong liquors which they 
brought in wooden Bottels of about one galon a peece," to 
a part}^ of Indians hunting " up in the woods near Watchu- 
set." Some years later he is again in trouble, having 
permitted the escape of a ruffian, Robert Crosly, who had 
assaulted Steevens' neighbor, Philip Goss, then living just 
across the river on the Rowlandson estate. He was even 
accused of being in collusion with Crosly, but the worst 
that was proven against him, was a too great unwillingness 
to face a brace of loaded pistols and a sword in the hands 
of a desperate privateersman. This fault he condoned 
speedily by pursuing the rascal to Dorchester, and bring- 
ing him to justice. 

Upon his marriage with Mary Willard, her father, the 
Major, partly in exchange for lands which Steevens owned 
at Dunstable and partly in way of dowry, deeded to his 
son-in-law 

all y* Houseings, Barns Stables, orchards Lands, Entervailes, Meadows 
lyeingand being in Lancaster according to their severall Butts & bounds as 
followeth, viz: the House Lott formerly called Major Willards whome 
Lott, bounded by y^ North Riuer South & y« Night Pasture east and y* 
Country highway North, & West by the highway that Leads to y** North 
Riuer 

Thus the original lot of Lawrence Waters upon which 
the first dwelling house in Lancaster was probably built, 
came into the possession of its sixth owner in 1673. The 
house that could be a home to Major Willard's large family 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 87 

I haue heard or can learne not the practice of the country to beare armes 
as a comon souldier whervpon I did not appeare, and when theire officer 
came to straine vpon my goods, wee came to an agreement to referre the 
matter to the Hon' Maj"" gen'" [Leveret^ Maj' Willard, Maj' Lusher, 
Capt. Mason and Capt. tfoster, who all but Capt. Mason mett at the Maj' 
Genr*^ house In may Last, who Heard what was said on both sids (though 
more might be said but I am desirous rather to forbeare than to offend or 
greiue any) . But those Hon** ffrends and Gentle" vpon what they then 
beard did judge and advise that the fines should bee forborne and not 
taken, and also that there being noe law here extant to free such a one 
from training did advise that I should address myself to this Hon^ Court 
whom they doubted not but would grant mee a free dismission, o' Hon"* 
maj' Willard then willing and Consenting thereto. My humble petition 
vnto yo' worships is that you would bee pleased to take it into yo' Consid- 
eration and grant mee this favor to be freed from training in that Company 
at Lancaster where I haue been an officer, for your petitioner shall not- 
withstanding bee Ingaged to serue the Country and your worships accord- 
ing to my power and abillity In what I can, and euer pray for yo** peace 
and prosperity long to continue .... 

To the Honoured Countie Court at Ckarlestowne, 

This may Certiiie the honoured Countie Court that I henerie kerley 
of Lancaster (though vnworthie) yet hauing the Comand of this militarie 
Companie laid vpon mee. And accidentaly vnderstanding that Jeremiah 
Rogers Senior hath Recourse to the honoured Court to procure a fredome 
from militarie traininge, though he did not aquaint me nor the Companie 
therewith, the truth is If the honoured Court should see cause to fre him 
before his making his peace with the Companie, it will tend much to the 
destnicion of peace and order in the Companie and force me togather with 
the Rest that are in olise, in the Companie to lay downe our places, their 
hath beene soe much provocacion on his part not only to vs, but alsoe to 
the Companie in generall in the managing of this his controuersie so vn- 
warantably taken vp, the truth of the whole mater being by the Companies 
order drawne vp to informe a Comitie desired to arbitrate the case, a true 
Copie wherof the honoured Court is desired to peruse and therein you will 
haue a full declaracion of the case : And herin I shall not trouble the hon- 
oured Court any further but Rest your humble servant. 
Lancaster this 20 : 4 mon : 1670. 

To the worshippfull our honoured major generall Leveret, maior Willard 
and maior Lusher, togather with our two wort hie and highly esteemed 
frends Captaine Mason of Watertown, And Captaine ffoster of Dorchester 
who are a Comitee humbly desired by Sargant Kerley on behalfe of him- 
selfe and the military Companie here at Lancaster and our neighbor Jeremiah 
Rogers, to here and determine a difrence depending betweene the said Jer- 



-i- .. 



^^ 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



emiah Rogers and the Companic ; our Ernest Request is ihat your worships 
would be pleased u> pardon our boldnea as also to pitie what you see of 
weaknes in this our present declaration wherin we desire truly and fully to 
discouer the truth of the case as alsoe the condition of this smull Com- 
panie for seuerall years, since Sergant William Kerly who now liues at 
Marlbrow. did leaue vs. Honoured gentlemen, be pleased to talce notice 
that sine the said Sargant William Kerly did Remoue his dwelling from 
among vs this Companie hath made choice of seurall to ofisseat in ihe 
place and olice of Sargant, though lille apearance that was pmising for the 
manageing of that soe great a betrust, it is not our desire or endeuor to 
slight one or any pson or talant but freely and truly to informe youraduea 
with the Stat of things, the truth of wh.it we here asert is well known to 
our honoured Major Willard who hath not bene wanting to put forth him- 
self to helpe the Companie in poynl of exercise, but the want of psons 
fitly qualified to take the Charge of the Companie was much bewailed by 
general sober minded and well atested psons ; sum years agoe within the 
time aforementioned, our neighbor Rogers was made choise of and did 
ofiseat for sura Considerable time, and in the time of Sargant Winders 
being Comander in Cheife, though seucrall in the Companie were vnsatJsfied 
with the said Sargant Rogers and the grounds they aledged was thai it 
was not a legall choise in Regard it was not alended acording to Law but 
that we that bore arms and were in the feild then, did voal and sura that 
had Right tovoat had no notice of the Choise : and also did not apprehend 
him fitly qualified for the place, and this coming to the ear.s of the aforsaid 
Sargant Willder did fully manifest himself vnwilling to ofiseat any longer 
without a new choise and sum of the Companie do afirinc that !!Sargant 
Rogers did alsoe discouer himselfe to be of the same mind but most of the 
companie doe alirme thai he did not manifest any thiiig to the contrarv. 
And therevpon tfie Companie' went to choise of two Sarganis, and Sargant 
Willder was againe Chosen to be Cheife oficer & John More for a Sargant 
to asist him. And why our neighbor Rogers should vpp a conceit that he 
was turned of, and alsoe a preiudice agst the Companie and not to ateod to 
ofiseat in the place of a Sargant. nor to come in the place of a privat soul- 
dier we know of no militarie custom for the same, wee desire not to put 
him to trouble nor charg. but desire that quiet and order may be preserued 
in the Companie and the said goodmau Rogers being present with ilie 
Companie this i6 day of Mar beinge a training day, vpon sum discourse 
about sending downe it was moued tliat sum thing might be proposed in 
Reference to the ending the diference at home, it was desired thai our 
neighbor Rogers woidd mension his greiuances to the Companie thai so 
It might be they might be taken of, that so there might be a comfortabt 
Composure of the diference, and he desired y' y Companie on their part 
would first declare & it was manifested by the Companie that they h^ 
nothing against him but only his absenting from publique trainings, but 
be Refused to aquaiat the Companie with what was an obstruction in hlx 



4 
4 



90 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



3 



of the towne, the peiultie of which is iwenlte shillings a moDlbe to any 
such as soe doe, the payment wherof Is by him denyed iho legally demand- 
ed, and herin laite not but make a Keturne vnder your hand, dated the 
2j of march 1671 . By the Court Ralph Huughtuo R. 

This AiachmeDt was senied and boad taken this 24 of March 1671 
Ity me, Gamaliell Beman 

CoMSlabU 9/ Lancaster. 

The deposision of Ralph Houghton aged about 47 yeares. Wilnesseth 
that the Last Spring of the yeare, I met with William Liacorne in our 
towne and he being a stranger I inquired of him what his ocasion was 
their and he told me he was about to hire a ^m of master Kimball in the 
towne, and I told him of our towne orders which did impose a penaliie of 
iweutie shillings p month to any thai should com to inhabit without the 
consent of the townsmen, And advised him to got to the townsmen & 
haue their aprobation before he made any contract with master Kimball, 
and he told me thai be had bene with three of the townsmen who were 
met vpon sum other ocusion and they had apoynted him a day when he 
might come and haue a full meeting, and be beard, but he did not atend 
that meeting: And further this Deponent saith not. 

1672, 7 May. Whereas the honoured Majo' Willard, Mr Thomas Dan- 
forth w"' the late Capt Johnson, haue, by order of this Court, binti a 
comittee to order the prudentiall alfaires of Lancaster for many yeares, 
Lancaster hauing bhin setled for seuerall yeares. & as the sajd comittee 
informes, many yeares since binn trusted by them & able lomannage their 
owne aliaires ; the sajd towne of Lancaster now humbly desiring the 
Couris favour, that Ihe Comittee, for their great pajnes & service for so 
long a season, may be thankfully acknowledged & dismisi from futuie 
trouble in such respect, & themselues betrusted, as other townes are, 
to mancage their owne affaires, the Court judgeth it meet to grant their 
request heerin. 

[ MassachusEns Records.] 

To ihe koHourabU the Gov the Deputy Gov magis &* Depulyu asstmbled 
in Ihe ^tfall Court. 
The Petition of Jno Prescott of Lauchaater In most humble wise sbew- 
eih, Whereas y* Petilio' hath purchased an Indian right to a small parcell 
of Land, occasioned & circumstanced for quantity & quality according to 
Ihe deed of sale herevnto annexed and a pt [hereof not being legally 
setled vpon me vnlesse 1 may obleyne the favo' of this Court for the Con- 
firmation thereof. These arc humbly to request the Courts favo' for that 
end. Ihe Lord haueing dealt graciously with mee in glueing mee many 
children I account il my duty to endeauo' their prouission St selling and 
do hope that this may be of some vse in y' kind, 1 know not any daim« 



K 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. gi 



made to the said land by any towtie. or any legall right y' any other per- 
sons haue therein, and therefore are free for mc to occupy & subdue as 
any other, may 1 obteync the Courts approbation. I shall not vse farther 
motiues, my condition in other respecks & w' my trouble & expenses haue 
been according to my poor ability in my place being not altogether vn- 
known to some of j^ Court. 

Thai y' Lords p'aence may be with & his blessing accompany all yo' 
psons. counsells, & endcauo" for his honor & y' weule of his poor people 
is y' pray of 

Yo' suppliant. JOHN Prescott Sen' 

17:3: 1672 read and referred to y° Comittee, 

In Reiference to this Petition the Comittee being well Informed that 
the Pet' is an ancient Planter & hath bin a vsefitll helpful! & puliljque 
spirited man doinge many good offices (for the Country Relalinge to the 
Koad to Coneclicolt, marking trees, directinge Of Passengers &c and that 
the Land Petitioned for beinge but about 107 Acres & Lyinge not very 
Convenient for any other Plantation, and only accomodable for the Pet' 
we Judge it reasonable to conRrme the Indian Grant to him & his heyres 
if y* honor* Court see meete. 

The Deputyes approue of the returne of Edward Tyng 

the Comittee in answer to this pel ; o' Hon- George COKwm 

o'* magis" consenting hereto. Humi-hrey Davie 

W" TOSREV a^r/i: 

29 May ■- 72. Consented to by y magisis 

Eow Rawson Secret. 

Attention was called to the above petition by the Honor- 
able Samuel A. Green. Both petition and deed are among 
the Shattuck Manuscripts in the possession of the New 
England Historic, Genealogical Society. The grantor was 
James Wiser, alias Quanapaug. that brave Christian cap- 
tain of the Nashaivays, whose timely warning of the 
impending danger might have prevented t!ie massacre of 
February-, 1676, had the colonial authoiilies paid proper 
regard to it. The land j'oined Prescott 's farm at Washacum 
previously granted. The railroad buildings and tracks at 
Sterling Junction occupy a portion of it. 

In the Middlesex Court Files are several papers relating 
to Elizabeth Parker's illegitimate child, and Edmund 
Parker's neglect of Sabbath day ordinances. The more 
important of them are here transcribed, not only to record 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



town action, but because they afford a picture of what was 
probably the most abjectly wretched home in Lancaster- 

For Uecoa Farkes &' tht selectmen of Knxhiiry. 

You are herby to lake notice that ihe seleclmeii of ihe Towne of Lan- 
casler haue made Applicalion «nlo the Court of tins County held yestefday 
being the iSth of June where they manifested theinselues onwiUing to 
Rcceuc into their towne a Bastard Child born of the body of Elizatielh 
Parker in your towne & now sent with the mother to liue in the towne of 
Lancaster with Edmund Parker who is a very poor man & vnable to main- 
leyne his owne family much le.ss ilie said Hastard Child &l its mother, tlie 
Court haue heard their Complaint & ordered that the selectmen of Rojc- 
bury do take care to prouide for the mainieynance of the said Bastard 
Child according to Law. This at y Request I thought meet to certifie 
you, Mr Danforth being not psetit to glue you a Copy of ye' Courts order. 

June ig*: 1672. Yr louing friend 

Daniel Gookim C. 
To tht Constable of lamhatcr or his deputy. 

You are in his majesties name {several '^uords UUgiile'] the child of 
Eliiabeth Parker with the mother vnio Roxbury where it was born vnles 
the grandfather Edmund Parker will vndertake to secure the town of Lan- 
chester to the saltisfecion of the selectmen whereof you are not to faile 

this 29 of 4 mo 1672, this is a trew coppy. 

Simon Willard a 



The foUowing is neither signed nor dated : it is in Ralph 
Houghton's handwriting. 

Worshipful and honoured genlliiiien. 

Wee have Receiued a letter bearing 
date the 30: 5m: 71, wherby wee vnderstand your worships wanted 
information In Regard you had the report only of one panic in Reference 
to the bastard child borne at Koxberie. for had your worships bene well 
informed and well considered Ihe trouble it hath caused in our pore towne, 
wee supose the curanl of your advise wonld haue Run an other way, for 
besides the infamie of hauing a bastard, legaly lathered vpon another towne 
as apears by the order of the honoured Countie Court at boston prouision 
being made iheire for the keeping of it, and the townsmen willing and for- 
ward to take care of and for it. that If the said maintalnance ordred were 
to scanty they would vse means to make it vp by the towne, and yet not- 
withstanding all this, that Ihe Reputed fitther which is soe able to h»ue 
kept his owne, should violently and forcibly If not fraudelently thrust it 
vpon vs, it being soe that he did know that the townsmen had warned 
Ldmund Parker, him that tooke the child to the contrarie before ihcy bad 



r 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 53 

made any Conlract about it, wee coDCeiue had the like bene done to your 
towne, your worships would haue bene of an other mind and liaue loobed 
at J ouraelues caled to stand vp In your towns defence against such a wrong 
and the sence your worships h.id of the pore infants sufering would haue 
mriued you to haue advi.sed the Right owner to haue kept his owne ami 
not to haue exposed it to an other jureney and the hazard thereof, and 
had your worships knowne tht pore man's incapacitie for such a thing in 
Respect of his habitation is soe mean that when it Raines their is noe 
dric plac in it and many times forced to gae to other houses for shelter 
and for lodging, but one pore bi-d for himselfe his son and daughter all to 
lodg in or sleep by the tire, soe that before she went from him lo liue in 
service It was said they all lay togather. which ocasioned her to ly at neigh- 
bouring houses and soe her lime was lost & she became a burden to her 
lather and other neighbours, whcr she haunted, and then .she went to 
service ; and also the mans ill dUposision in Refranc to the ordering of 
his iamily, which was but one son who Is about 30 years of age. and all 
the means the towns men from time to time can vse would not be avail- 
able to cause him 10 get his said son a litte learning nor 10 aiend to the 
publique ordinances on the Lords day, soe as thai it is said and credibly 
Reported that he hath not bene at meeting a whole year and when delt 
with. fuU of froward and peevish and provoking language, and that is the 
best that can be expected by the townsmen's endeuors with him, therefore 
the townsmen humbly craue the asistance and helpe of the next honoured 
Countie Court herin and alsoe to judge whether this man be fit to lake 
more young ons in to his family, and alsoe in Referenc to the Ch^rg that 
roust of nessesitie be forthwith expended In building and for lodging and 
other ocsesaries fit for a woman that giues sucke and such a child that .soe 
their liues are healthey, may not be e.tposed to danger and the towne to 
quiet, we supose your worships will judge the burden too heavie for this 
pore towne. and not countinance the Reputed father in such an vniust im- 
posision. but to lay the charg vpon him who is soe able to beare it, and 
says it shall be Am tho it cost him ^100, or otherwise that the Countie 
may Contribut herin or that the honoured Countie Court would be pleased 
la free our towne of guilt in case either the mother or cliild sufer or pish. 
And soe crauing pardon for our boldnes herin we Rest }-ours In subiection 
lo law and order, 

1672 Oct I. The Court hauing considered the Complaynt of Lanchas- 
ler si'leclmen referring to the Bastard Child of Silvanus negro, late serv' 
to Ueacon W" Parks of Roxbery, and entertained by Edmund Parker of 
their Towne Contrary to their order & notice giuen them, nolwiihstanding 
the vnsutable prouision y' he hath for the enlertainm' thereof as ihey in- 
forme. Do order that during the abode of y' said child in y' place, the 
selectmen shall take care Ih.tt it be prouided for in all respects a^ humanity 
and religion requires, and that the said Parker shall glue them bond with 



94 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

sufficient suretyes to the vallue of ioOj£ for to saue the Towne harmless & 
to pay all disbursments for the proiiission of the said child, or otherwise 
the sd Parker shall return it to Roxbury, there to be prouidcd for accord- 
ing to the order of Boston Court. 

Lancaster this i3'!' ii"*: 1672 

A bill of charges drawne vp by the townsmen in Reference to the bas- 
tard child of Elizabeth Parker. 

1 The Cunstable and Ralph Houghton themselues and horses 

attending Charlestown Court where the child was fath- 
ered vpon Roxburie o : 1 1 : o 

2 Goodman Prescott going to Nonacoyecos for a warant to 

convey the child to Roxbury ' o : i : o 

3 Going downe to Roxburie to carry the child and its mother, 

2 men and 3 horses o: 16: o 

4 the Cunstable and goodman Prescott attending Cambridge 

Court by their order in Reference to making prouision 

for her child o : 16:0 

5 to Jonathan Whetcombe for a horse to nonacoiacus o : 1:0 

tot £2. — 5- 

1673 I** of 2 mo. — Lankester 

Wee doe present daniell James for living from vnder £amely govern- 
ment. Witnes John More & John Prescot Sen' 

[Grand Jury presentments — Middlesex Court Files.] 

To the Cunstable of Lanchaster. 

In his majties name you are required to warne Ed™ : Parker & his sonne 
Abram to apeare at y* Court to be held at Charlstowne the 16*** of this 
instant December to ans' for neglect of Gods Publ worship on y« Lds 
Dayes & for witnesses J no Prescot Sen"" & Hen*" Kerly, Also Jon Addams 
to answer for lying & false dealing & for witness Jonathan Prescott & John 
Diuell & hereof you are to make a true returne ynd' yo' hand and not to 
faile 

dat 4: 10: 73 Tho Danforth R 

Edmund Parker and his son and the witneses to his case wer warned 
to apeare at the Court acording to this warant. Jon Adams was absent 
and could not haue warning but the others were warned as aforsaid. 

8: 10: 73 By me Jonathan Prescott Cunstable, 

To the Honoured Countie Court at Charlstowne. 

The humble Request of the townsmen of Lancaster in Reference to 
Edmund Parkers presentment sheweth that the witneses namly John Pres- 
cott sen who is aged and iniirme and not able to atend the court being 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



95 



winter season, the grand jurie man did inforitie the said Parker that If he 
ilid not Reforme his not coming to meeting he must present him, but he 
did not Reforme neither hath bene at meeting, neuer since the last Court. 
he semelh to plead his pouertie and want of cloathes but in answer to that 
he halh land and catle sum what considerable and himselfe and his son 
able Ijodied for labor, and no after cliarge only bis daughter and her bastard 
which he violently tooke in. contrarie lo the towns order and much endeu- 
ors against the same which the honoured court is well aquainled with : in 
Reference to his lion it is the greife of many in the towne, and the tonns- 
mcD, that he hath had noe beter educacion : the towns men haue laboured 
with the said Parker to get his son some learning and to send him forth lo 
publique catechising but all in vaine. but haue had many froward peevish 
expresions from him, soe that he hath wearied them out. They liue mis- 
erable vncomfortable liues both for food and cloatb. and lodging, it is 
Reported that all the sleepe they haue is siting by the (ire vpon a bloke, 
and all through his owne froward imprudent cariage. theirfore it is the 
humble Request of the townsmen that the honoured Court would be 
pleased to asist the townsmen in this hussiness either by sentance or coun- 
sell or what way soe eucr may be most conducing to the poore mans wel- 
fair and his sons. And in soe doing the honoured Court will Ingage the 
townsmen as in dutie bound cucr to pray. 

By order of the townsmen 
Lancaster rj: lomon; 1673. Ralph Houghton Clarke 



Lancaster the 4"' 2 mon: 1674 
To the Honoured Cnuiilie Court silingnt Cambridge the 7'* of Aprill 1674. 
The townsmen of Lancaster. In faithfullness to our neighbour Parkers 
soule and body both, doe count it their dutie to giue sum informacion to 
this honoured Court, it being soe that their indeuors at home hath bene 
fiuitlese. And Ihey wearied out with pevish, froward provoaking expres- 
sions, when they haue laboured to psuade him 10 put himselfe and familv 
into a more comfortable way of liuing. for it is hard for the honoured 
Court to conceiue how vncomfortably the pore man liues both in Respect 
of food cloathing and lodging iho he hath land and catle considerable and 
a strong yong man to his son and noe other charge but what he hath need- 
leslj- and indiscreetly brought vpon himselfe in taking in his daughter and 
her bastard child forcibly against the towns order soe that through his 
owne indiscretion he hath brought a great burden vpon himselfe, If not 
vpon the towne. the towns men from time to lime halh laboured with him 
ID Reference to his son to gett him sum learning and lo bring him vp to 
sum honest imployment acording as the law prouids or to sufer them to 
doe it. but nothing would prevaile with him. but as it is signilied tcf the 
honoured Court by a presentment it is certainly knowne among vs that his 
son halh not beene at meeting at the worshipe of god this seuerall yeares 



^6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

only sum few sabothes about a yeare senc. And he himselfe hath not 
beene in the meeting house for sum considerable space of time which is to 
our greife. nor about the house in the time of publique worshipe saue sum 
few sabothes a late And what his Reson is wee know not. And his not 
coming into the house makes the case doubtful] to the witnesses as to take 
a posetiue oath that he doth not com. And herin your worships haue a 
true Relation of the case in Reference to our neighbour Parker. Crauing 
Pardon for our boldnes herin we shall not trouble the honoured Court any 
further at present. 

Subscribed by order of the townsmen Ralph Houghton 

1674 April 7*1* Edmund Parker of Lanchaster appearing before the 
Court & being convicted of neglect of Gods worship in Publ on the Lords 
dayes both himselfe & £cimily was admonished. And the Court do comend 
it to the care of the selectmen of y* place dilligent to inspect his family 
and obser\'e their manners for the future, and in case that they find not an 
amendment in those charges whereof he hath been now convicted they 
are then hereby ordered and impowered to dispose of his sonne to service 
where he may be better taught & governed, and in case that threw stub- 
bornnes of &ther or sonne. they be obstructed herein, that then they in- 
forme y^ Court or some of the magts thereof who will take order therein 
as the law directs. 

1674, Oct 6. The Comittee nominated A prill 73 for laying out y« high- 
way between Groton & Lanchaster are againe desired and impowered by 
this Court to attend y* same and Capt James Parker is to appoynt time & 

place for their meeting. 

[Middlesex Court Records.] 

This committee had taken action the year before, and 
the following report of their doings is found in ^The 
Early Records of Groton," by the Honorable Samuel A. 
Green. 

Wedensday 4 of June 1673 fforasmuch as the countrey hye way as it 
was formerly layd out by Lankaster and groaten \*pon seuerall yeares triall, 
proued to be ver}' insufficient and very difiicult to be made passable in 
regard it ^^-as for the most part lyeing in the Intervailes wheirin their are 
seuerall soft places and litle brookes vpon which bridges and other mater 
for making the same passable is apt to be raised and tome \'p by floods 
and \'pon exp)eriance of the same Lancaster made aplication to groaten for 
Remouing of the said way to Run more \'pon the vpland which was Read- 
ily atended and John Prescott seni-and Roger Sumner for Lancaster and 
sergent Parker and corperall Knop for groaten wer chuse committe by both 
to townes to lay out the said hye way as aforsaid which was atended the 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. py 



day aforsaid as folio we th (viz) first within the bounds of groaten they toke 
their begining at their meeting house to the mille of Jonas Prescott 
by Matthias fFarnworths his house six Rods wide turning of out of the 
common miU way near twent}' Rod aboue the mille and then it Runs 4 
Rode wid through the land of the aforsaid Jonas Prescott acording as it is 
described by trees marked by the men aforesaid and from the said Jonas 
Prescotts land to penicooke Riuer in Lancaster through swan swamp 6 Rod 
wide as it is already marked out by the coinitte aforsaid and from the way 
aforsaid butting upon Penicook near to the night pasture wading place, 
they tak the way as it is left in width through the Intervayle and ouer nash- 
away bridge and soe to the meeting house and as it is to be vnderstood 
that the way within lancaster bounds Runes neare the mideway betweene 
the brook medow and plumtrees medowes ouer a hill called Mahaneknits 
hill and soe along on the vpland to the pond path as it Runes near to the 
Still Riuer medow and Josiah Whits medow vntill it come to the Swan 
Swamp path as aforsaid and to the confirmation hereof the comitte afore- 
said haue here vnto put their hands the day and year aboue said 

John Prescott 
Roger Sumner 
James Parker 
James Knop 

1674. General Daniel Gookin says of the Nashaway Indians ** These 
have been a great people in former times but of late years have been 
consumed by the Maquas wars and other ways ; and are not above fifteen 
or sixteen £&milies.^' 



'.-» 1. 




|675- ffmm Nashowali Allies [ali'is] Linkesier 16'"; Aug" 1675. 

Honoured Sir 

last nighUaboutt seauen A Clockewemarlchcd Into Nasho— 

wah wheare we are A it Presentt butt sliall as soone as the Constable Hajthw ^r-» 

prest vs a dozen Horsses; Proseed for groatton & so to Chcnceford ; ac^ ' 

cording to the ord" Majo' Willard gaue me yesterday Alt Quoahbauge :^- ^ ~' 

our Majo'' hauejng A Seartayne Intelligence of a ConaideraWi — '"■ ■ ^ 

Party of Indians y' haue gathered loogather a liltell aboue Chcnsfbrt^^^^^* 
which I hope wee sbalbe vp with this Nighl or to Morrough at furthest & -a^:^ *■ 

if it pleese God 1 come vp w"' them god assisliiig me 1 wjll Cloosely in "-■ 

gadge wjth them, & god Spearing my life I shall as oppertunity gives leave^^^^"*^^ 
Acqualnll yo' honor off my Acljons; T Have w* me butt 60: Men a^^^'-^^ ' 

Samuell Mosley 

The above is extracted from a letter of the noted CaptaiiK — *' ^' 

of dragoons to Governor Leverett, in Massachusetts ar "^ ^ 

chives Lxvii. 239. Six days later, Sunday, August 22dr- -*— ^ 
the Indians having warily avoided an encounter with th^;^^ _^c~i 

dragoons, and got in their rear, made a raid upon Lancas ^^^ ^ 

ter. Gen. Daniel Gookin states that this bloody foray wa^s- -^ ''"'* 
headed by a one-eyed chief of the Nipmucks, named Johir^^ -^ti' 
Monoco, "who lived near Lancaster before the war began,'"' -^r- ' 
and that he had twenty of Philip's men with him. Mrs- 
Rowlandson writes : 



Those seven that were killed at Lancaster .... upon a sabbath day. 
and the one who was afterwards killed upon a week day, were slain Bnd= 
mangled in a most barbarous manner by one eyed John and Marlborough^ 
praying Indians, as Che Indians told me. 



f 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



99 



The charge against the Christian Indians was maliciously 
untrue, as proven upon their trial. The scene of the 
murders was lit the north end of the setdement, the house 
of the MacLouds being in the neighborhood of the North 
ge cemetery. The names of the slain were : 



George Bennet, 
William Flagg, 
Jacob Farrar, Jun.. 
Joseph Wheeler, 



Mordecai MacLoud, 
Mrs. Lydia MacLoud, 
Hannah MacLoud, aged four 

years, 
An infant MacLoud. 
Flagg was a soldier detailed for duty here, from Water- 
town. Wheeler was not a Lancaster man, but probably 
of Concord. 

■fffr the Honoured Countie Court siting at Camiridge. 

desired by a poore widow whose husband was slaine by the Indi- 
and hath s small children left with her ; by a law of the counlrie 
shee should haue brought in an Inuentorie of her husbands estate, but 
Buch are the delicultie.s of the time, and alsoe the trouble of her liile chil- 
that shee could not postbly with any saftie com clowne ; her name is 
Lidia Benet, And alsoe a Scotsman Mordicai Mukload who alsoe was 
slaine and his wife and children, and his house and goods all burned : he 
hath a brother suruiuing, both of them had a desire to haue com downe 
ill) their Inueniorie.s but both of them haue Catle in the woods, but know 
ot whether the Indiana haue killed them or not, and therefore they 
humbly desire the honoured Court not to looke vpon them as contemners 
of aulhoriiie but giue them liberty vntil! another Court and in soe doing, 
the honoured will ingage the widow and fatherless children as In dutie 
they are bound lo pray for the honoured Court. 

Laiis2:8'": 1675 Subscribed by RALPH Houghton 

Clarke of the larits 

[Middlesex Court Files.] 

The bold incursion of one-eyed John was but the prelude 
Co the fearful tragedy of February lOth. Of the plan for 
the destruction of Lancaster in all its details, even to the 
wery day assigned for its accomplishment, the colonial 
Buthorities were fully advised ; yet so far as any records 
bhow, with a neglect that seems criminally strange, they 
did almost nothing to ward ofl" or meet the blow. Of the 




A ?Ok'>_L5 I ^ UL>' ZJlSZ 



rr-ri*r iie^erre* n r*r rjioirfd 123:0;^ :is ihan that Indian 
ic -n- ^ijiJir- i:z*=rKCt. *i£Z i:dc foriziT «£>:«i^ have saved 
•i/t xiT- fnc rtj* =iis«awr« :c irfTrr- — Jjsaaes Qoanapaug, 
ilii* J'irr»£* "iVaer- iZl« t^iezkecKac. or Qpamiapohit. 
T";ii Ciriicix:! T^i*^!;' -p-i* h: w-eLl kac*»^ iar his bravery, 
lipfcirr. kz.i -Erytzjdstz^ izc ±je Eag^Vh, that Philip had 
ziirktc rizz ::t '=.irv»T5:d- izic grricz. vjcdcrs accordingly' 
zz *:dc :-:' hii- If-e'-.^ic^irSw The £^:T-m?r 01" the Colony 

iri-.n: ri-r si^e ii:e. v::- Tfarcoec hisi ^ad a fellow Chris- 

riz. r.i=je>£ J : c Kj.rr^iirh- fnici NiSri:, sbr the dangerous 



^g — ^-T^ :; . -5;:^::=^ rie lacLiz: rs^ri^ Sr brirg back inlbrma- 
'Ijzz. :•:' rie z:i=:i"rer* i=c pLkss vc P^£zpV mccs. These 
r» w =L-er- ±.e riiciritz W^IiiLn H::bcxtrd lefls us, "through 
rit T:i:d^. in ±.r »:e>ib:j ::" wiisuer- vben the wavs were 
—pisstrl-r :r iz:j xrier srr: cc p«copJe,* sought the 
X:r«:i-iC :---:p:ac<. iZri "rnfcred riesr bcscaes? ao prudently 
i^ ZS.1Z triev -atr^ ic::nrr:ed iri: :i>jist I::Miian habitations as 

•■^rt cl:^T wiichc>i, bcwever. direasencd. and but tor 
i piwerfjl frienc wodc ^ve be>»i sLLimi. In Qjianapaug^s 



Ntr: -n-znizi^ I vsrt tr -^w-e^r-d friii's w^isiai. He said he was 
s:\m1 1 : «^ TTi* — I Vt.* re^f!!. ri* r"jec)d "najL i Tc^rs it bvi ^ ^ p^ him kill 
WMii;p — i.--i 5ii-i -•:.r»:c7 5C»rc£c 3ieo£ie witi aae. I told him what 
»*4 5«-.i :: -zrt Hi siii S trj "roix b^rt -se tier s&ci^ die .... I 
'^j ji litt ii^— -rcsfs -w^rwir: ; izic *>t :^:ar55»i is jcs, and threatened 
iz:; Tij^ -J:u.t >ir.:u--i rc-c — < *irL .... Aac tiiis !r>rtin told me they 
fur^'i ill -:r»:- li-risriT. Or-rjc. M-irlrcr^iaci, Socbcry and Medfield. 
iZ'i iii: :>•* frs: :h:rfj: ire;* »\:»^ ic *i«r«;L.Vi be to cat down Lancaster 
I'-jiXi 5.: :: T.-Zri'tr ir^— ±^^1 ir«i. .ssKscizof ccc^ia^ »? them, and they in- 
zzZjZxtI ■.: ziL -TC- rr-j-r. .- xrcc: rw^scr*' Ci-rs liae from W' 



Quinar^iuc dcdir.g thit he must scon meet Philip, and 
ii-in^ enectei the zuLin purp»:<e of hts errand, evaded his 
5,1*7: w-i:u> f.xrs by a cur.nir.g sCTii-igeni* and on the 24th, 



f 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1735. loi 

iitli mo., 1675. brought to his employers, the Governor 
and Council, full knowledge of the hostile forces and their 
fell intent. The emergency demanded speedy energy ; it 
met inaction. Rumors of coming woe meantime stirred 
the air in the Nashaway valley. The chief military offi- 
cer, the minister, and other leading citizens wen\ to the 
Bay to awaken the Council from their lethargy and beg 
for help. It was too late. February 9th, 1675-6, about 
ten o'clock at night. Job Kattenanit, the sucond spy, com- 
pletely exhausted, dragged himself to Major Gookin's door 
in Cambridge. He had deserted wife and children, and 
alone travelled upon snow shoes through the pathless 
wilderness from New Braintree, a terribly fatiguing march 
of eighty miles, tu save his English friends. James Quan- 
apaug had foretold that on the morrow the blow would be 
struck at Lancaster. Let Daniel Gookin tell Job's story, 
and the fulfillment of the prophecy. 

He brought tidings that before he came from the enemy al Meiiemessc. 
a parly of the Indians, about four hundred, were marched forth to attack 
and bum Lancaster, and on the morrow, which was February 10I' they 
would attempt it. This time exactly suited with James his information 
before hinted, which was not then credited as it should have been; and 
consequently no so good means used to prevent it or at least to have lain 
ID ambashments for the enemy. As soon as Major Gookin understood 
this tidings by Job, he rose out of his bed, and. advising with Mr Dan- 
forth one of the Council that lived near him, they despatched away post 
ia the night to Marlborough Concord and Lancaster, ordering forces to 
surround Lancaster with all speed. The posts were at Marlborough by 
break of day and Captain Wadsworth with about forty soldiers marched 
away as speedily as he could possibly to Lancaster (which was ten miles 
distant). But before he got there the enemy had set lire on the bridge: 
Bui Cap! Wadsworth got over and beat otr the enemy, recovering a gar- 
rbon house, that stood near another bridge, belonging to Cyprian Stevens, 
and so through God's favor prevented the enemy from cutting otf the gar- 
rison, God strangely preserving that hand^l with Capt Wadsworth, 
for tue enemy were numerous, about four hundred, and lay inambushment 
for him on the common road, but his guides conducted him in a private 
way and so they got safe to Cyprian Stevens, his garrison as above men- 
tioned. fJut the enemy had taken and burnt another garrison house very 
near the other only a bridge and a little ground parting them. This house 



1 



ANN.\15 CF L.^VCA5TER, 



zi:z1sz£t'5 "htxs^ Mr R-^i2::Cdoo wberetn were slain and 
:o i: r'jriT p«r5*x:5. :^e ziizLsver's wis and chOdren amongst 



The narradve of Mrs. Rowlandson, a sufferer in the 
tragrrdy. is a source of niuch of oar knowledge of the 
horrors of iha: day. For tuo hundred years her little 
book has kep: hold up^rn popular favor, and twenty or more 
edit: >ns testily the public appreciation of its simple elo- 
quence. It need not be qu>:>ted here. Other briefer 
contemporary- records of the massacre arc : 

I. William Hubbard's, in "A Narrative of the Indian 
Wars in New Englaad.~ 1677- 

Aboc: the izt^ of Fei'mzir after, soae faondreds of the Indians, 
whether Nipaets or Nashavzr sen is csoertain. belonging to him they 
c^I S&jamore 5a=r.. jud po>s:b> son:e of tbe stoutest of the Narrfaagan- 
sets th^t h^d escapoi the winter brjnt, iel! -^pon Lancaster, a small village, 
of ai>Du: nfty or sixty a:r.:':es. and did soch mischief, boming most of 
the houses thit were not gsrrisoGed : And which is most sad and awfiil 
to consider, the house of Mr RowLindson. sinister of the said Lancaster, 
which was £:2UTi5on6d with a conipetent n*xmber of the inhabitants : yet 
the fort:f.cit:o=^ o: the house rein^ on the back ssde dosed up with fire 
wood, the Indiins go: so ueju- as to c?e a leaster. which burning the house 
ixmedlatel;. to the ground, ill the ^rsons therein were put to the hani 
choice, cither to perish by the dimes, with the house* or to jield them- 
selves into the hiuds o: those cr^ savages, which last (considering that 
a lirins dog is letter than a deid lion) they chckse. and so were forty-two 
r*ersoas surrrised bv the I::d:in5. above twectr of the women and children 
ihey carried away captive, a nietUi spectacle to behold : the rest being men, 
they killed ir. the place, or reserved for further misery : And many that 
Were not slain in r.ghiing. were killed in attempting to escape. The minister 
himself was occosiorjilly absent, to seek help irom the Goremor and Coun- 
cil to defend the place, who returning, was entertained with the tragical 
news of his wife and children surprised, and being carried away by the 
enemy, and his house rumed into ashes, yet it pleased God so to uphold 
his heart, comforting himself in his God. as Dand at Ziklag, that he 
would always say. he believed he would see his wife and children again, 
which did in like manner soon o>me to pass within n\t or six months af- 
ter: all. save ihe youngest, which being wounded at the first, died soon 
after among the Indians. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 103 

And such was the goodness of God to those poor captive women and 
children, that they found so much favor in the sight of their enemies, that 
they offered no wrong to any of their persons, save what they could not 
help, being in many wants themselves. Neither did they offer any uncivil 
carriage to any of the females, nor ever attempted the chastity of any of 
them, either being restrained of God, as was Abimeleck of old, or by 
some other accidental cause which withheld them from doing any wrong in 
that kind. 

Upon the report of this disaster, Capt. Wadsworth, then at Marlborough, 
with about forty resolute men, adventuring the rescuing of the town that 
was remaining: And having recovered a bridge, they got over safe, 
though the planks were pulled off by the enemy, and being led up in a 
way not discovered by them, they forced the Indians for the present to 
quit the place, after they had burnt and destroyed the better half of it. 
Yet afterwards it not being judged tenable, it was abandoned to the pleas- 
ure of the insulting foe. 



2. A letter written February loth, 1675-6, by Thomas 
Hinkley, then in Boston, to his wife ; printed in the appen- 
dix, page 436, to Nathaniel Morton's "New England's 
Memorial," edition of 1826. 

Dear Heart : 

Since my last inclosed which I broke up to signify to thee, not 
to expect my coming home this week. Job the other Indian spy, sent out 
as I have before said, is last night returned to Capt. Gookins & informs, 
that the Narragansets are got to the Quabaug Indians four hundred of 
them & three hundred of the others as I mentioned heretofore & informs 
that six of Eames his children, the owner of the house burnt at Sudbury 
of which before, are with the Indians, and the Indians intend marching 
this day three hundred of them to fall upon Lancaster alias Nashaway. 
Post was sent by Capt. Gookin and Mr Danforth last night, midnight for 
eighty troopers & forty foot thereabout & at Marlborough to hasten to 
Lancaster for their relief, but whether they came time enough is not yet 
known. A post came thence today to inform, a great many Indians were 
at Lancaster bridge : and the smoke of some houses fired there appeared 
to him as he came. The good Lord fit us for his pleasure. 

3. A True Account of the most Considerable Occur- 
ences that have happened in the Warre between the English 
and the Indians in New England. London 1676. 



104 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 




the Enemy visited ub, and assaulted Lancaster, a small Town. 

in which the Inhabitants, having retired into some fbrtiBed Houses and 
deserted the Rest, the Indians burnt those, and assaulted the Garrisoned 
Houses, but were not able lo carry any of them but one, wherein were 42 
Persons 12 men. the Rest Women and children of whom they slew several. 
and carried the Rest Prisoners : The House was the Ministers, one Mr 
Rowlandson, whose Wife and Children ihey carried Caprive (which are 

since returned lo us) on the 1 1"" of May two of our Captives 

were returned by Ransom from the Indians who had been taken at the 
Destruction of the Town of Lancaster : the one of them the Sister of the 
Wife of Mr Rowlandson Minister of the Place: and another Woman 
taken out of the same House About the time of that Thanks- 
giving the Son and Daughter of that worthy Minister of Jesus Christ. Mr 
Rowlandson, who had been Captives since the Burning of Lancaster were 
returned by Ransom. She wandered with an Indian Woman from ifee 
Rest of the Indian Company (by whom she had been detained) three 
Days in the Woods, having Nothing to cat all that time but green Hurtle- 
berries : with which she was sustained till she and the Woman arrived at 
our English Town of Providence, and so got Home. 

4. News from New England being a True and last Ac- 
count of the present Bloody Wars, &c. London 1676. 

in a Town called Nashaway which Ihey set Fire lo. and burnt 

to the Ground, taking no less than 5s Persons into their Merciless Cap- 
tivity of these 55 Captives, the Minister of the Towns Relations 

made no less than 17 of them : viz, Mrs Rowlandson the Ministers Wife, 
and three of his Children, her Sister [Elisabeth Kirley\ and seavea Chil- 
dren, and her Sister Drew [Hannah Di'voW] and four Children, . . . 

Another pamphlet published in London late in the same 
year, entitled "A new and further Narrative of the State of I 
New England," copies its facta from the preceding. 



i 



, CASUALTfES FeSV IO j67i. COMPII 
KNOWN SOURCELS OF INFORMATION. 

Killed in Rowlandson Garrison. 



FROM ALL 



Ensign John Divoll. 

Josiah Divol!, son of John, aged 7. 

Daniel Gains. 

Abraham Joslin, aged :6. 

John Mac Loud. 

Thomas Rowlandson, nephew of the 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 105 

John Kettle, aged 36. 

John Kettle, Jr. 

Joseph Kettle, son of John, aged 10. 

Mrs Elizaheth Kerley, wife of Lieut. Henry. 

William Kerley, son of Lieut Henry, aged 17. 

Joseph Kerley, do., aged 7. 

Mrs Priscilla Roper, wife of Ephraim. 

Priscilla, child of Ephraim, aged 3. 

Carried Captive from Rowlandson Garrison. 

Mrs Mary Rowlandson, wife of the minister, ransomed. 
Mary Rowlandson, daughter of the minister, aged ro, ransomed. 
Sarah Rowlandson, do., aged 6, wounded & died Feb 18. 

Joseph Rowlandson, son of the minister, aged 13, ransomed. 
Mrs Hannah Divoll, wife of Ensign John, ransomed. 
John Divoll, son of Ensign John, aged 12, died captive? 
William Divoll, do., aged 4, ransomed. 

Hannah Divoll, daughter of do, aged 9, died captive.^ 
Mrs Ann Joslin, wife of Abraham, killed in captivit}'. 
Beatrice Joslin, daughter of Abraham, do. 
Joseph Joslin, brother of Abraham, aged 16. 
Henry Kerley, son of Lieut Henry, aged 18. 
Hannah Kerley, daughter of do., aged 13. 
Mary Kerley, do., aged 10. 

Martha Kerley, do., aged 4. 

A child Kerley, name & age unknown. 
Mrs Elizabeth Kettle, wife of John, ransomed. 
Sarah Kettle, daughter of John, aged 14 escaped. 
Jonathan Kettle, son of John, aged 5. 

A child Kettle, daughter do. 20 

Ephraim Roper alone escaped during the assault. i 

35 

Mrs- Rowlandson writes : " Of thirty-seven persons who 
were in this one house, none escaped either present death or 
a bitter captivity save only one." Most authorities are unit- 
ed, however, ii^ stating the number of the garrison as 42. 
Seven persons are therefore unaccounted for in above list. 

Killed outside of Rowlandson Garrison ^ being all of South Lancaster. 

John Ball. 

Mrs Elizabeth Ball, wife of John. 

An infont child of John Ball. 



£ir 



Io6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 

Jonas Fairbank. 

Joshua Fairbank, son of Jonas, aged 15. 

Ephraim Sawyer, aged 26. 

Henry Farrar. 

Richard Wheeler. 

A man mentioned by Mrs Rowlandson, but not named. 

Captive. 
Two of John BalPs family names unknown. 



II 



The whole number of casualties being 55, nine remain 
not ascertained. A soldier from Watertown aged 20, 
named George Harrington, was killed near Prescott's Mills 
a few days after the massacre, and John Roper was killed 
the day the town was finally abandoned by all its inhabi- 
tants, March 26, 1676. 

A special session of the General Court was called by 
Governor Leverett, Feb. 21, and among the orders passed 
were these : 

It is ordered, on request of Capt. Scyll, that the comittee for the warr 
doe forthw'*» send twenty pounds of tobacco & three gallons of rumc for 
the supply of the company that now resides at Lancaster. 

[Massachusetts Records.] 

25"* February Mr Roulison not being disposed to accept of the motion 
of y" Court to goe out w**' the forces as preacher, it is ordered, that Mr 

Samuel Nowell be intreated to goe vpon that service 

[Massachusetts Records.] 

So great was the terror inspired throughout the Bay 
towns by the quick succeeding Indian raids of this period, 
that it was seriously proposed to abandon and fence out 
Lancaster, Groton and other outlying towns by a stockade 
eight feet high and twelve miles in length, from Watertown 
to Wamesit. [Mass. Archives^ lxviii, 174.] Three pounds 
per head bounty was voted by General Court for the killing 
or capturing of ''sculking Indians," and the following is 
found, crossed, in Massachusetts Archives, lxix, 43 : 




MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- trsj. 



107 



August 12 1676. The Councill doth hereby declare'that if any person 

or persons Volunteers of this Colony shall bring in y' body of Philip 

sachem dead or alive they shall haue for y reward 50^ 

& for Sam Sachem of Lanchaster zo^ 

& for Jno [Aioncca] of Lanchaster 10^ 

To the Hono'^ Governor. 

The Information of Hugh Clarke Sheweth. That hee being the 
last weeke vpon the Scout »"■ Capt. Gibbs, through the woods about Lan- 
caster, Concord. Sudbury &c, they found seuerall houses deserted, haulng 
corn in them & Cattle about them belonging to the late Inhabitants thereof 
who for feare !efl thcire habitations, wee brought in about thirty fiive head 
of Cattle into Concord which wee founde, & left about 60 bushells of corn 
in one house: So that the Enemy haue a very great advantage, in recruit- 
ing themselues thereby w"' provisions : and the English wilhee exceedingly 
straitned without some expedient bee founde out for prevention thereof; 
by drawing in the corn & cattle from the out ffarmes or otherwise as yo' 
Hono' shall thinkc mccte 
ffeby 23 r675. 6 

In another hand, in the margin opposite the statement 
about " 60 bushell.s of corn," ia written, " in Kettls farme" — 
"it is so in several others." 



Ordered by the Councill that the Secretary give forth w 
Constables of Concord & Sudbury requiring them forlhw"' to inipresse 8 
carts in each Town for the bringing down of the goods of such persons of 
Lancaster as being bereaved by the late hand of god are disenabled from 
continuing there w" carts shall be delivered to Ralph Houghton & Dea- 
con Sumner of Lancaster to be imployed as above 

24 feb 1675. past p Councill E. R. S. 

[Massachuselis Archive, LXVUI, 14=^] 

To the Hniw^ Gmirnor and Counsell 

The humble petition of the poor deslressed people of Lancaster, 
humbley sheweth, that sence the enemy mad such sad & dismall hauocke 
amongst our deare ffreinds & Bretheren, & we that are left who haue our 
Lines for a prey sadly sencable of Gods Judgm" upon us, this with the 
dcstresse we are now in dus embolden us to present our humble Requests 
to yo' Honors, hoping our Condisions may be considered by you & our 
Requests find exeptance with you. our stat is very deplorable, in our Inca- 
pasity to subsist, as to Remoue away we can not. the enemy has so Incom- 
pased us, otherwise for want of help our calle being the most of them 
caried away by the barberoufts heathen, & to stay disinabled for want of 
food, the Towns people are Genrally gon who fell the Judgm' but light. 



& had thcjtr catle left them with tfae]rr estate, but «c many of us heart 
in ihb prison, haae Dot bread to Usi as on moagth & aai other provision 
spent & gon, for the genraHytjr, oar Town b drawn into tiro Carisons 
wbcrin are by the Good &vours of \o' Hon" d^teca souiders, which we 
gladly ma^TitavD soe long as any thing lasts. Si if ytf Honors should call 
them of, we are learlaynly a bayi for the enemy if God do not wonderfully 
prevent, therefore we hop as God has mad you bthers ouer us so rou will 
haue a bthers pitty to us & extend your care oner us who are yo' poor 
destressed subjects. We arc sorowfu] to Leaue the place, but hoptesse to 
keep it unlesse maynCayned by the Cuntrey. it troubles our sperits to giue 
any Incuridgm' to the enemy, or leaue any thing for them to promot their 
wicked designe, yet better sauc our Liues then lose Life & Estat both, we 
are in danger emenent, the enemy leying Aboue us, nay on both sids of 
us, as dus playingly Apeare. our womens cris dus dayly Increase beand 
expresion which dus not only lill our eare but our hearts fall of Greefe, 
which mattes us humbly Request yo' Hon" to send a Gard of men & that 
if you please so comand vre may haue Carts About fourteen will Renioue 
the whool eight of which has been preyed long at Sudbuiry but nevr came 
for want of a small gard of men, the whooll that is. all that are in the on 
Garison, Kept in Major Wiltards house, which is all from yo' Hon" most 
humble servants & suplyants. Jacob pfarrar 

Laacast' March ii* i6(( John Houghton Sen' 

JOHK Moore 
John WHrrrconB 
Job Wbittcoiib 
Jonathan Whittcomb 
JOH.v HouGHroN Jun' 
Cyprian Steevens 
The other on Garison are in the like destresse & soe humbley desire 
yo^ like pitty & (fatherly tar. haueing widows & many ffatherlesse chilldren. 
the Numb' of Carts to Carey away this garison is twenty Carts. 
Vo' Hon" Humble peltiaioners. 

John Prescott Sen' 
Tho. Sawyer Sen' 
Tho. Sawyer Jim' 
Jonathan Prescott 
Tho Willder 
John Willder 
Sarah Wheeler wid 
Win 



John Rigbv 
Nathanieix Wilder 
John Roofer 

WlIMW ROOPER 
fMaiSachusells Archives, UCVIil, 156 



ID Ihe haadwritiBi; of Cyprian Sleevens. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735, 



109 



I 



A short aaradue of what I haue alended vnto by the council! of late 
since I weal to reldue Groatten the ii : i : (|. 1 went to Concord, & 
devided the troope committed vnto me from Esex & Northfolke, into three 
pf one to garde the carls, presed from Sudbury, one pt. for the carts 
presed from Concord, both lo Lancaster. & one pt for the carts that went 
from Charlestowne & Waiter to wne, that 'went volintiers or wear hiered. 
when I had sent them to Iher seuerall placeses I came downe, beinge the 
21 : 1 : 75* : & went to Concord llie 2$: I '■ ^i when I came ther, I inquiered 
how it was with Lancaster, the answer was they weare in distrese. I psently 
s«nl 40 horse theiyr to fetch away corne. Sc I went iliat night to Chellms- 
foord to se how it was with them, they Complayned, Billerikye Bridge 
stood in great need of being fortified. I ordered that to be don. allso 
ihey told me, that the Indiana made two great rafts of boords & rayles, 
that they had gott that laye at the other syd of the Kiuers. I ordered. 20 
aoulldiers to go oner & talte them, & lourne them downe the Kiuer or pre- 
serue them, as they se cause, the 27 of this Instant I went from Chellnis- 
foord to Concord agayne. when I came ther, the troopers that 1 sent to 
Lancaster Ixst, had broghl awaye all the people ther but had left about 50 
bushells of wheat & Indian corne. Yesierdaye 1 sent 40 horses or mor to 
fetch it awaye, & came downe from Concord, this daye I expectt Ihey 
will be at Concord. Some of the troope I relesed when this last worke was 
don, the other I left order 10 scout ahead vntill they heer IVome me agayne . 
I thought it not meet to relese more, when we stand In need of men. my 
desier is to know what I shall do herin. Concord & Chellmsfoord looke 
cuery daye to be fiered. & wold haue more men but know not how to 
keepe them nor paye them. 



19: 1 : 76. 



Vour humbl s 



Simon Wjh.a 



■£76. April 25. Major Willard dyes at Charleston, buryed 27'^ 



1676. RANSOMING THE CAPTIVES. 

Mr Kowlandson minister of Lancaster (a pious and good man) having 
his wife, children & several friends in Captivity among the enemy . - . . 
himself and several other ministers in his behalf had some time since pie- 
titioned the Council to u.se what means they could for the redemption of 
bis wife &c. Which the Council consented to and in pursuance thereof 
ordered Major Gookin to endeavour to procure at Deer Island one or two 
Indians that for a reward might adventure to go with a message to the 
enemy to offer for the redemption of our captives, particularly Mrs Kow- 
landson. Uui although the Major went to the Island and did his utmost 



AS-SALS OF iANCASTER, 



Hme }« ooold nM pvcvzil with aaj; to tfac 
^nce of aim. BM oa the iji of Uucb km 




£d dkxt daj. Tbe Conmdl de ch jrf tkanadns >eadf to p 
Msd a I III !■ »iji a xBj omrid bcprocfcd. M^orGooldii vlto stbnd i 
Mr Rovbadna hwCTBlo w» i n fcnw w i that oae of the Incfiias Uldf 
brao^it dovB froH Coocord named Tom Dobict aSss Neppooct had 
aooM iNcGBatwii to ran that adMBtine: of wUdi the Ujqar udonBti^ tbe 
Comd) thef ordeied Cape HiBcfaBun to mat and ^ree with han wtdA he 
accati£agl)'didaMl bnx^t him vp frtiiH Deer IsUadsome few days after; 
and be waa kbi io M^or GooJdas at Canfaridge. where be was acoording 
to the otder ai tbe Cooodl. fitted and Iwmished for this enteiprtse ; and 
had a letter iron tbe CmbcQ to tbe eoemv coooenung the Kdenptkm of 
the Captives, and apoa Mondaj April 3* he was sent away tirofa Canbd^e 
npoa his joaniey, and he did eflect it with caie and pnidmoe aad retomed 
ag^aio npoa tbe 12* cf April with this answer in writing fixm tbe enemjr. 

[Daniel Gooka'i HUOarj of (he Pnjring Indians.) 



Letter lent hy Tom DubUtl. Ytst tbe Indian Sagamores A people that 
are in wajre against us. Intelligence b conte to as that you have some 
English, etpecially womea and children in CaptirilF among you. We 
lure therefore sent the messenger offering to redeem them either for pay- 
ment to goods or wampum or by exchange of prisoners. We desire your 
aQ>wcr by ibis our messenger what price yon demaBd for every man woman 
and child, or if yxi will exchange for Indians. If rou hare any among 
you that can write your answer to this our message, we desire it inn-riting; 
and to that end have sent, paper pen and tncke by the messenger. If von 
lelt (Hir messenger have free accesse to you. freedome of a safe relurne, we 
are willing to doe the like by any messenger of yours, provided he come 
unarmed, and carry a white lUg upon a slaiTe, visible to be scene, which 
wc take as a flag of truce, and is used by civilized nations in time of wane, 
when any messengers are sent in a way of treaty, which we have done b) 
our messenger, in testimony whereof I have set my hand & seal, 

John Leverett GeV 

Boston 31 March 1676. Passed by the Council 

Edward Rawson Stty 

[MassaehusdU Records.] 



Anrmer brought back April 11. We now giue answer by this 
but if you like my answer send one more man besides this one Tom Nep- 
anet, and send with all true heart and with all your mind by two men, 
because you know and we know jour heart great sorrowful with crying fat, 
your lost many many hundred men and all your house and all your 



I 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. m 



and woman, child and cattle, as all your thing that you have lost and 

on your backside stand. 

Sam Sachem 

KuTQUEN and Peter Jethro 

QuANOHiT Sagamore Scribe 

Mr Rowlandson, your wife and all your child is well but one dye, your 
sister is well and her 3 child. John Kettel your wife and all your child is 
all well, and all them prisoners taken at Nashua is all well. 
Mr Rolandson se your louing Sister his hand C Hanah 
And old Kettel wif his hand •}" 

Brother Rowlandson, pray send thre pounds of Tobacco for me if you 
n, my louing husband pray send thre pound of tobacco for me. 
This writing by your enemies 

Samuel Uskattuhgun and 
GuNRASHiT. two Indian Sagamores 

Thb letter is printed in S. G. Drakes' " Biography and History of the Indians of 
orth America." The original has not been discovered. 

Mr. Rowlandsoti had meantime interested Mr. John 

oar of Concord in his behalf, a man who had won to 

imself the entire confidence of the Indians, by deserving 

"•. His friendly and brave interposition perhaps availed 

towards the recovery of the captives than all the 

olony's power or the governor's diplomacy. Tom Dublett, 

lias Nepanet or Nepenomp, was again sent, and with 

\y\m Peter Tatatiquinea, alias Conway, with a letter from 

tlie Council of which no copy is found. .They brought 

back 27, 2"*" 1676, a second reply from the chiefs, written 

V>y James Printer, an Indian who had passed sixteen years 

apprenticeship in Samuel Green's printing office in Cam- 

\)ridge. The original is in the Massachusetts Archives, 

Hutchinson Papers, 11, 282. 

ffiyr the Governor and the Council at Boston, 

The Indians, Tom Nepennomp and Peter Tatatiqunea hath 
brought us letter from you about the English Captives, especially for Mrs 
Rolanson ; the answer is I am sorrow that I haue don much wrong to you 
and yet I say the falte is lay upon you, for when we began quarel at 
first with Plimouth men I did not think that you should haue so much 
truble as now is: therefore 1 am willing to hear your desire about the 
Captives. Therefore we desire you to sent Mr Rolanson and goodman 



2-*- i-r." .-L 



- ^-* 



. - ■^. j-r Ji- 



••r^r-^- r.ver.ty 

% r ... 

;.i.y la. MIS 

• ri :z B- >ion. 
.-. lie r-iiTi 10 
- 1 — r>cfenger 



-^rs^ '••; 



- 'f /-:•:. .{'.jj^j- 



^ » N 



r-i^ - 



• it 



-.** 
kk 



■^ 






^■.-i-;.-:r _ni :hc K»l- — -" 



■ i .v- ::« 
- -L-. .-. . Our 

—..-is :< no* 
Vr.:,^ :his- 

r.:>.-^ no: IC^ 

j.ur ThereforcT 
cTJ. 1:" vo*^' 



..% 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 



113 



(till send vs hame all tlie English prisoners, it wili be a great lestinifiny of 
h inie heart in yow to peace, which yow say yow are willing to haue ; and 
picn, if any of your sachems and Councellora will come to vs at Boston, or 
fab to Concord or Sudhury, to meet with such cheife men an wee sliull send. 
■fee will speak »■"' yow about your desires, and with true heart deale w''^ 
BOW. This way is the best way ; therefore send speedily to vs, whither yow 
prill accept it or no. If yow vnderstand not our full minde, Seth Perry, 
irhotn we now send w'* this letter, will declare it more plainely. And wee 
Boe hereby grant & promise, that all such as yow shall imploy in a treaty 
■"• vs shall be safe & free to come & goe, on condition thai our messen- 
gers abo sliallbe safe w''' yow 

May the 5"', 1676. By the Court Edward Rawson, Stcrtt 



\U^ 



dB.] 



I A verbal message seems to have been returned appoint- 
ing a meeting, and Jonathan Prescolt was sent the following 
rhursday, with a letter of elaborate instructions for his own 
onduct, and the following : 

To Ike Indian sachems. Vow know wee sent our messengers according 
your desire, and wee very true heart, but yow no glue vs an'swer in writ- 
;. by our messengers, as yow promise ; wee now send these our men, 
wler Gardiner & Jonathan Prescott, to know your minde, whether yow 
ng lelt vs haue our weomen & children yow haue ca])lives ; and if yow 
: any proposall to make to vs, wee willing to heare yow -, and if yow 
me yourselues, wee send some of our sachems to treat yow at Concord, 
e other place where best, and yow haue safe conduct \ for wee very 
e heart, and yow tell your people so. 

By the Court Edw : Rawson Secret. 

tM,TSSiic:l.u5ells Records.] 

The story of this meeting, and of colonial ingratitude to 
1 faithful and brave copper-colored Christian, was told 
wight years later in a petition found in Massachusetts 
Archives, xxx, 279. 

ApriirUic second 1684. VVheras wee Peeter Gardner. Daniel Chamney. 
\ Jonathan Prescoi were Imjiloyed By the Hono'ed Council sometime in 
r June 1777 [6j to got vp among the enimy Indiana that then 
red in the woods About Walchuset in order to procure the deliuery 
i Inglish captiues, Wee doe Certify that Thomas Dublet alius Nepanel 
r interpreter & helper in thai Affayre, And that hee had beene a 
ley before that time 10 treat W* the enimy & had procured them to 



IXM 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 




^^r meet vs aboue tweniy raiks from Ukt quaiten. for ihe szchems mel vs 

^H bctvcne Concoid 3c Groatea: and al thai lime old Goodman Morse of 

^^M Vfatenoa was dcliuered to vs & brought home & haueiog By order paid 

^B fower pounds for his icdemption w^ Thomas Nepanet had bargained lor 

^B in his former jome}'. And we fiuther say y' the said Tom Nepaoet carried 

^L it laithfull)- in that matter & Deseiues sausfacticiD for his Trauiile & Ad' 

^v ueoture in y* dificult time & we vDdersiand hee hath rei:eiued no satis- 

^H ^tion for that seniice hitherto, therefore wee humble conceue the 

^H Hono'ed CounoU should consider him and order him to receiK ihirt) or 

^1 forty shillings for that Hazardocs seruice: And In testimony of the 

^1 Truth of this certificate wee whose names are aboue exp'ssed hauc here- 

^1 vnto sett o' hands the day & yeare aboue written. To b«e p's«nicd to the 

^^L Honble Gouenior & Councitl of the .Massachusetts Colony; by the pson 

^^^^^V^ncenied. Jonathan Frescutt 

^^^^^b l£tu/t>rseil] Daniel Chauni: 

^^^^^^P At a Council held at Boston the 8^ Maj 1684 In Answer to the petition 
^^^^ trf Tho. Dublett Indian & in sattisfaction for his paynes & irauile about j* 

procurm' of Goodman Morses Greedom from ye Indians : tis ordered that 

y* Tresurer giue him two Coates. 

past £. R. S. 

Mr. Hoar^ three pounds ten shillings of the Money ordered yoti from 
Mr John Hubbert Must be remitted into the hands of Jonathan Prcscot to 
compleal Payment for Goodwife Divell to y* Indians. 

Boston 13 Ap. 1&76. Joseph Dudley 

if order of IMt CamndU 

[Mamachusetls Archive, c. 1S9.I 

It! a letter from Rev, Thomas Cobbet of Ipswich lo 
Mather, called " New England's Deliverances," being No. 
76 of the Mather Manuscripts in the Prince Library, is 
some information respecting the Lancaster captives not 
elsewhere to be found. 



May the 12* Goodwife Diuens [DivoU^ and Goodwife Ketle 

vpon ransom paid, came in to Concord, and vpon tike ransom presently 
after John Kloss of Groton and Lieftenanl Carters [lierley's] daughter 
were set at libeKy, and nine more without r^msom : . . . . 

.... Mr Rowlinsons daughter was brought to Seaconlce by a captiue 
squa, that got away ^m the Indians, and got home after Mr Rowlinsons 
son and hi.s sister Diuens [/?««//'!] daughter, vpon iheyr ransoms paid, 
were brought to Major Waldrens. And about July ii"i Goodwife Ketles 
elder daughter, at>out 17 y old. got away from the Indians to Marlborough 
bringing her little sLster vpon her back almost stanied 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



In Massachusetts Archives, lxx, 125, a petition and ac- 
Cbompanying papers add to our knowledge of this subject. 

XolAe honored General Court now silling at boston October y' 15'*, 1684. 

Uie humbl petision of Onesiphoraa page of SaJsbury humbly Sheweth. 
fhat whearas about the Latlerenduf the Late warrwith the Indians several 
nptives wear brought in at Maj' Waldrons & Mr Peter Coffens, among w"'' 
Bear the Sons of -Mr Roleiison & of the widow Divel : which z Captives 
- petiaioner was sent lo redeem, by the widow Wells of Salsitury who 
sister to Mr Rolenson ; & when yo' petison' came there the Ransom of 
Kolcnson's son was pay^ by the Gentlemen of the place, so yo' peti- 
■ had only lo do with the other (to will) the widow divels son : for 
rhose Ransom yo' petioner gaue his bill of four pounds to Mr Coffen, A 
iftcrwards Mr Rolenson moued the Counsell about il who weai" pleased to 
hadertake the pajing of the sd four pound 

Boston 2J" May 1677. On Oie motion & Information of Mr Rowlison 
it Coodwife divaJI's son hath binn redeemed from his Captivity for which 
rer pounds was promissed by Left. Peter Coffyn &by his Agent demanded 
■f the sayd Coodwife Uivall ; who hauing lost hir husband & three of her 
lildren: being very low & vnable lo make payment, It is ordered that 
the sayd fower pounds be not already ordered lo be discharged It is now 
Vdcrcd that Left Peter Coflyn placing the sayd sume on the counlreys 
nt anil, It shall be allowed him. That this is a true Copie, 

Attests Edw" Rawson Secrely 

I By summer time the Sachems were pretty thoroughly 
bumbled, as is shown by the following letters coming 
!rom Shoshanim, alias Sam, the chieftain of Nashaway, 
who had "insulted over the English, and said if the Eng- 
ish would first begge Peace of him, he would let them 
iave Peace, but that he would never ask it of them." These 
letters are printed in Samuel G. Drake's "Biography and 
bistory of the Indians of North America." It is not known 
where the originals are. 

To all Englishmen and Indians, all of yoii hear Mr Waban Mr Eliotl. 

I July 6 1676. Mr John Leverett, my Lord, Mr Waban, and ail the cheif 
ben our Brethren Praying to God ; We beseech you all to help us : my 
ikit she is but one, but there be more Prisoners, which we pray you keep 
kU : Mattamuck his wife we entreat you for her, and not onely that man, 
Iwt it is the Request of two Sachems, Sam Sachem of Weshakum, and the 
'akashoag Sachem. And that further you will consider about the making 



i." -'L.in. JL- .i^.i-n. Mr Gookin.^ ^""^ ' , 

..: : v:.:-: v- vtrr il—..*^: there the -t:^ •'^ , 

~ ':t:'L 1 Tnii:-- .: '. rtr-rzcd back :2i 
*• -rz i.^.. irrfTT" ri : XfitT we were "^ 
T:" ivL jir: -„:i=lr own Coumrcv ' 



_ U«v 



7: . 7--/...: - under <ome false promise, or hope that 

■•-.T i 7. r'-r-rri migiit be extended to them, or be- 

:_ r. -: '.::!; privations, the sachems came in at 

x^ . j: :r. Se-:? ruber and gave themselves up. A letter 

' T!. :t:.l< Cbi-^ct to Increase Mather, in Massachusetts 

Ar*.. .:.---. Hutchinson Papers, ii, 288-9, ^^^ ^'^^s mention 

,•" M.-n CO at tliat time. 

Ve blasj^hcmous speeches of one eyed John vttered at Gro- 

:.^ • :».^ d' t I'.irktT in y hc-trciiii: of Diuerse: Boasting how many places 
\\- ;miI r.i:rnecl, »S: saying he would hiirne Concord, Watertown, Charles- 
ivUMio vKiL AtKlini;: And Me will doe. what me will : these were spread 
l^cioic v Lord,& jjleaded that he would plead that cause of his soueraignty 



: -■":- :. iirrxisc :•: :<_r o~tr to joyn 

V::- \i:i 11: viL- :a-Cour.:jey.and i -* 

.'r-z ^ r-jiL^-Mr MTfzz ><fzr.x: English ^* 

:-. T-:-:: :* vi"' -J-ic—. : 1 u: I >^d if anv " «<_ 



^.U^ SACHEM 

- -" "4 >>. -TV 

." T: : . "■:' . _- ier>:-:i5 who began the war and 

.•■: . .T.J.-: no: exp^i^ri to haue ihcir 

.. ; .r-- JriATi ;ri:o the war. and acted only 

'.- . : . -: iT:'.5 i to live quietly & peaceably 



N » 



;.!• t 




J 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. ny 



Against that wretch : w^** he did in September 76, who when taken at y* 

Eastward & standing bound ready to bee put aboard y* vessel 

prouided to send him & others to Boston, he suddainly fell a singing in his 
humbling posture : & being asked by one of y* souldiers who was there to 
guard y*", why he sung : replied : itie must sing or dye : y*" souldier replying 
y* if he were so Afraid, why did he come to y*" English, he answered, y* 
no man brought him thither but Englishmans god Alone brought him to 
that end : and was afterward executed at Boston 

1676 Sept 26. Tuesday Sagamore Sam & Daniel Goble is drawn in a 

<:art upon bed deaths to execution One eyed John, Maliompe 

JSagamore of Quapaug, General at Lancaster & Jethro (the Father) walk 
to the gallows. 

[Diary of Samuel Sewall,.!, 22.] 

The stem, even-handed justice of the judges is attested 
"M)y this record. Daniel Goble, thus executed with the 
Hnurderers of the women and children of Lancaster, was a 
soldier, the ringleader in an atrocious murder of Indian 
^wromen and children, during the popular excitement suc- 
^^eeding the Indian massacres. The sad story touched 
JLanca^er, in the person of one of its most promising young 
iKmen, and must not be passed over here. 

'•Wee the Grand Jury for our Soueraigne Lord the King doe Present 
^Sfe Indict Nathaniel! Wilder of Concord ILancasUr"] in the County of Mid- 
l^^sex in New England for that he not hauing the feare of God before his 
^^yes &. being Instigated by the Divil w**» other his Accomplises at or on 
'^lie 7^ of August last, at or neere to Hurtlebury hill, in the woods in the 
recincts of Concord or neere therevnto did murder & kill three Indian 
^eomen & three Indian Children contrary to the peace of our Soueraigne 
the King his Crowne & dignitye the law of God & of this Jurisdic- 
on. The Jurors ffinds this beill and leue hime to ffurther triall. 

Richard Calicott fforeman in the name off the rest off the Jurey. 

{^Endorsed'] They finde a speciall vierdict. If being present & seing 
le foct done & concenting, it be murder then we find him giity according 
Inditement, if not not gilty. 

* the keeper of the prison in Boston, 

You are hereby in his majty* name, required to take into yo*" safe cus- 
•dy the persons of Daniel Goble, Stephen Goble, Nathaniel Wilder & 
'stniel Hoare & them safely keepe, in order to their tryall for killing of 
^s»^STicrall Indians weomen & children w*** they owned, and see that they be 



1 ^r*» t'A- z-j IJtJkIA£TE3L 



r^jji ^ir 



:c lit "lumrLl 



> :r Tbtrjerer the authoritys 
::* caj crf August 1676. 
Rawson Secrety 






to death. 



: r^ I«rr : -rr, VzKi lie "arrm-u* TiKDliit S Di=5e2 Hoare & Nathan - 

si 1: iiji "nan a-TCTijFLJgagisg the justice of this 



Inin i. r»;:^;jr~::r Ziir-jiii i:r tut iiufSw liif Z-nan baae graxited their 
rcriicc. STi" ii:.:::i*i:.i:r ; -:»i rsncz ne «3rsfac± 3 ocath passed against 
ne=i. iiir rrusr t;;- tbi-; p*i irsrir 3iHr2rt» A3kd Tican pounds apeece 
nciii*'- . i;i-ii± i:ri.-2* tii* isir;pt af v':izt£sas&. i:- >t p^.^'C to ibe Tresurer of 
lie -iiixrr- i:iii lie :c3er •-= '"^V *; ^^Tiiryw J* — rrif i Svagon. \* Indians 
-r—ifa--:— T.r ip^iac nisfiL ic p^jTrtfTC »'aiE"£iaf UK*! ant dischardged. 

i-^.;T§rrrs Records.] 



:r^ >e:r f. Ix sayv^ 1: lie Ttntira nf xx!or HcK^tonof Lancas- 
1-- .i if :ra«-*c -y." 1^ TetiTTiisr :e r-i^i idt 'us f:<cizzrse3>ents mentioned 
zi. 2*s re-ii:«i : ■ in* ixsmrrs :r itk iias Tr^Esarsr . - . .his oune rate 
s.-TTi-H-y- Tir — six :i:icii2? "i: mt r:M2c^ xiinf zacnuizced- 

\ ViBtria-'-Trsni Records.] 



:f"^' r»n :r Tr^s r.iar: nsiur iisi j. ii ei r^" "^ -mra^ mder the hand 

:c CiTc I.'iijiil H isriSTr^u. rr*;.: ▼T«a: "as "rs* ™n ir ibe service of the 

riiLai— :.: I-L.T»ci*'rir . int; r;ai x-.::im:ii 1: 7r.r.i:f *** nf ax oxc for a sup- 

:»"■ :r ir»i i:rr:*a' ■■nris* r.s r,"iru-ii:. ¥-r;i:-j slu ms was ralJoed. by indiff- 

im: :iirs:in*w ii ?•:»* :oLDi> .i r-uirr"" :»'. :tL i Txiror-n made in behalfe 

;»■ -w :il;:i:' ic id; :.::f :ir-r H.iac-'ri:.. .: :* nrasrtc. ihal the Tresurer 

:r' iri; J :•:.:—; rriis :u.inrr: :,- uu 5ii.c r^nacti:*ii for the sajd oxe 

a^v-rird::^: ; 

acbusezs Records.] 



r"-: r«r: :i "r irs^-v--- "rr ttw .-uTimt .1: Lzwrenct Waters of Lan- 
.-i.>:r- riLTT^ri ■ ri:s»:-:nf ::« ;iv:i;r x rns^ r,*ur^ 11 orjer the |Ki}'nient of 
r.:> arr:»::: 'j- ttv: r f.-inv." .r r.s .>:■:' X-^r .v:K"^a nnxmc^ ioeieen shillings & 
i.w :*i'.rc. n- :ni'^i,^.-». :s. r'^ir T-:rT t-.-itt iitt r*-mi.m, his rate of fort v 
:v : sr.!l:.r.^ :»:■. i:i .tt^ry^Ti*:. :r»r rt;.i^n-rs Tri'. >t rMii him, being aged 
,'- :.: ^: .«:. : s- :i-.ii-'tv :m: :m T-^rs^irx*' Tz^^t r-Lvmeiii to the pcticoncr 
r«; s;:~v :.:».-»:.« rn:r ri.-i^-r. .r.x:'.i?: :r.ii ;" :: s ^eJMipng to the old 
" n;.: .^r^-'*;':. .:. r.ss Ar-%-u;r.: int: te lutfssc it to the new 



^» 1 *•»- 



jNisssachuseRs Records.] 



■•"^ *c- z: Thf ^\-ui-; ,•*! ^rr'v *■». w.03r»» VThsekre bill, of Laocas- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1715. ng 

tcr of disbursements, signed by the coniittee for y" Counlry, doe order & 
grant her payment from the Tresurer of siie pounds nine shillings & eight 

[Massachusetls Recordi.] 

1678. November 33. Dyed Mr Joseph Rowlandson the worthy & 
faithful I'aslnr of Weathersfield about y' 47 year of his age, He dyed 
Suddenly & his death was much Lamented & there wa^ C^^' cause, espec. 
at this time v" God is calling home his Embassaders apace besides others 
to pour of his Displeasure vpon y* Country. 

[Bradstreel's Journal.] 

Reverend Joseph Rowlandson had been called to Weth- 
ersfield, Connecticut, as colleague to the Reverend Gershom 
Bulkeley, in April. 1677. November 24, 1678, is usually 
given as the date of his death. 

Among the Shattuck Manuscripts of the New England 
Historic, Genealogical Society is the report of a Committee 
dated Cambridge, 28 : i" 1676, appointed to propose means 
for the security of the frontier towns. It was therein rec- 
ommended ; 

That such townes as Lankester, groaten & marlborough that are forced 
10 remoue ; and haue not some aduantage of settlement (peculiar) in y* 
bay, be ordered lo settle at y" frontire townes that remain for their 
sireogihening ; and }■• people of y" said townes to which ihey are appointed 
are to see to their accomodations, in y° s* townes. 

Few of the Lancaster refugees but had relatives or 
friends in the lower towns, and in their banishment they 
became widely scattered. Most of them, however, longed 
to return to their dearly bought lands on the Nashaway, 
and those who had found temporary resting places in 
Sudbury and Concord may Jiave visited the ashes of their 
liomes from lime to time. So soon as their savage enemies 
had been subjugated, they moved to the resettlement, and 
as at first, sturdy John Prescottled the van. 

1679. To the honored County Co'i sitting at Cambridge October 7. 1679 

Ye humble petition of those whose names are here voderwritten y* 
Inhabitants of Lancaster before o' rem ouall from thence by reason of y* 
late wanes, in o^ owne & others behalfe, y pprielors of y* said place as 



foltoweth. Whereas there was aa order tna.de the Last hono'ed ^neral) 
Co'i y* places deserted should not be againe Inhabited, till the people lirst 
make application vnto the Gouno' & Council, or to the County Co^-w^^n f 
whose Jurisdiction they be. for a comiitee to order matters coaceiniog ) 
place, as in the said Law is expressed, wee yo" petitioners w"* diuers oth^ 
era purposing (if y* Lord please) to rctume to Lancaster ftoni whencv w 
bane beene scattered, doc humbly request this Co<t that they will be pleased'l 
to nominate & appoint an able & discreet Comittee Ibr that end. who mayl 
w* all conuenieni speed attend the said Buisnes that soe wee may pceedl 
to settle the place w''^ comfort & encouragement & yo' pclittoners shallW 
pray for ihe l^ords gracious psence w''' you in all yo' Admtntstracons 
[Added in another Aaad.l John Prescot Senior 

And the persones which we vnderfivril] John .Moke 
doe nomenat if this honered Court se caus 
to aproue of them is Decon Ward o( 
Marelborogh, leutcnant halncs of Sutbery 
and cornit Woodes of Concord. 



[ Eitdorsement , ] 

7:8:79. In 

Court do 

to be a Ci 



Thomas Sawver Sencr 

John Ritgg 

John- PresCOTt Juner 

JoKATH Prescott * 

Thomas Wo-der 

Thomas Saver Juner 

JOSIAH WfllET 

isw' to y* motion of y' within named subscribers, tliel 
Capt. Prentice, Deacon Stone, & Corporall W* Botidv 
to settle y* rebuilding of Lanchaster as the order of] 



Court provides. Capt Prentice to appoynt y 
all persons concerned accordingly to altend- 



& place of meeting Stu 

[Middl«ici Couii Kik*.] 



The action of this Committee seems not to have been 1 
made matter of record. Lancaster had inhabitants and | 
recorded births, in both 1679 and 1680. 

(681. To tlu Honoured geturall Court how siting at B-utoit our /Jpn-\ 
oured Gouernor, deputie /;ouernor Assistants and deputies. 
The petition of the poore Inhabitants of Lancaster humbly Sheweth. I 
That whereas your poore petitioners by the late Indian warr were inuctil 
Ruined, our houses and other buildings and fences burned, and most ofl 
our substance wasted and som of our Children aiaine and sora caried h 
Captiuity by the cniniy and som neuer Returned, and we with the Kestfl 
forced to fly for our liues and to Icauc our places of lining to seeke shdtcrfl 
in other lownes where we could, A nd haue gone through many straits andfl 
dificulties vpon that acounl. soe that few lownes in the cuntrie haue suf'^ 
ered the like. And now through the good hand of god about [7 1 
families haue againe Returned with a dc-slre to build the plantation ag»ine1 
and through many diticulties. by Rcson of our pouertic, are about buildinga 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 121 



and fencing that soe they may provid bread for their families, and not be 
troublesom and burdensom to other townes which of nesesitie must haue 
bene If we had .Continued where we were, and this yeare the honoured 
tresurer sent his warant for aCuntrie Rate, And tho it be but a litle, yet to 
our greife we must say we are not able to pay it. Theirefore your poore 
petitioners humbly Craue this Honoured Court to Remit this Rate and 
grant an exemption from Cuntrie Rats for the future for som years, soe 
many as this Honoured Court may Judge meet. And in soe doing you 
will oblige your poore petitioners as in dutie we are bound for euer to pray 
for a blessing vpon all the Concerns of this Honoured Court. 

This petition by a generall voice and voate of all the inhabitants was 
desired to be drawne subscribed and presented By me. 

Ralph Houghton 

The magists Judge meet to grant y* petitioners exemption from Coun- 
try Rates for this yeare & the next, their bretheren the deputyes hereto 

consenting. 

Edward Rawson Secretary 

I7**» ffeb' 1681. Consented to by the deputies 

William Torrey Cleric 

[Massachusetts Archives, cxii, 330.] 



1681 Dec 20, The Deposition of Tho : Wilder aged yj years sworn, 

sayth that being with Jno Prescott Sen' About six houers before he died 

he y* sd Jno : Prescott gaue to his eldest sonn Jno : Prescott his house lott 

with all belonging to y* same & y'^ two mills, corn mill & saw mill with y« 

land belonging therto & three scor Acors of land nere South medow & 

fourty Acors of land nere Wonchesix & a pece of entervile called Johns 

Jump & Bridge medow on both sids y*^ Brook. Cyprian Steevens Testi- 

fieth to all y* truth Above writen. 

Sworn in Court. J. R c 
[Middlesex Court Files.] 



Upon y« 7"» of April 1683 Lancaster. 

A Jury of Inquest was Caled to giue in their virdict concerning y* vn- 
timely death of John Whitcomb, we whose names are vnderwriten doe by 
what we vnderstand by y*' brother of y* deceased by name Jonathan Whit- 
comb and one more by name George huse who was standing on y*" shore 
and saw how y* said John Whitcomb felle into y* water, do here vnani- 
mously giue in our virdict thus, that y* sd John Whitcomb and Jonathan 
Whitcomb being bringing some hay ouer y<^ riuer vpon two canooes in- 
deavoring to pull them ouer by a rope which was fastned to a bough at y^ 
riuer side, but y* cannooes sinking y^ said John Whitcomh falling into y^ 



122 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

riuer was by a proukleoce of god drownded in pennecok riuer y* 7 1 

this instant Aprill. 

John More Sen' Joseph Waters 

Thomas Sawyer Senr John Beaman 

John Rugg James Snow 

Thomas Sawyer Jun** James Houghton 

JosiAH White John Houghton J 

Danill Hudson 

John Moor Sen ffbreman & the rest of the subscribers the Jur^"^ 
Inquest vpon the vn timely death of John Whetcomb late of fancms^ 
appeared before me Pet : Bulkeley Assist, & made oath that the premi 
contain a true Acco of the cause of the death of sd Whetcomb accordfi 
to their judgmt & consaence 

June 18 1683 Pet Bulkeley Assist 

[Middlesex Court Files.] 

Lancastr May y* 28 1684. The Towne being mett together vpon 
adjomment of y* publique meeting. The towne made choyse of Josiah 
White and gave him order to gather in all y* Raits Due from al y* live out 
of towne to y* meeting house & ministry in this last years Ratts, this was 
Confirmed by a voat of y* towne 



of 




ss. d lbs ts d 

Henry Kemball to y* meetinge house — 00- 03 -03 & 1-06-04 in pay 

Thomas Swift to y* meetinge house — 00-01-04& o-ii-oo 

Stephen Waters to y« meednge house — 00-00-10& 0-06-08. 

minister 
s 

Edmond parker to y* meetinge house — 00 - 01 - 03 & o - 10 - 04. o-i i- o 

Archelos Corser to y* meetinge house — 00-00-04& 0-03-08 0-8- 4 

Daniell gains to y* meednge house — 00-00-08& 0-05-04 0-8 o 

Simon & Thomas gatts 00- 03- 03 & 1-06-00 

A dm' Major Willard 00 - 05 - 02 & 2-01-04 

Mr Robinson 00-01 -01 & 0-08-04 

for William Lewese 00-03- 03 & 1-06-04 0-16- o 

John Lewes 00-00-08& 0-05-01 0-16-0 

Christopher Lewes 00-00-06& 0-04-00 

for Mordeca Mukload 00-00. 08& 0-05-04 0-5- 6 

for John Divole 00-01 -00& 0-08-04 

Thomas hares 00 - 00- 08 & 0-05-000-10-0 

Jeremiah Rogers 00-02- 11 & i -03-04 0-19-10 

Jonas fairbank 00 - 02- 02 & 1-17-04 

George Adams 00-00-08& 0-05-00 

for ben allin 00-00-05 & 0-03-08 0-4- 6 

Lauranc Waters 00 - 02- 07 & i-.o-io 1-17- o 

By order of y« Towne. John houghton 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 



123 



n'o the Hono^^* Gcnerall Court assembled in Boston the lo'* Septemb^, 1684. 

Josiah White, in behalfe of the Town of Lancaster, now vpon a re- 

itlement, humbly Prayeth this Hono**'^' Courts order (if it may sceme 

I,) for the confirmation and strengthening of the vote passed by the 

^Town as aboue written. That all those who are Proprietors of Lands lying 

-^.vithin sd Town although not dwellers there, may be assessed in propor- 

d: ion to y* value of their Estates as the Inhabitants are, towards the erect- 

^ xig of a meeting house, maintenance of a minister & other piiblique 

:harges, the rate for this yeare being made as aboue : And that you 

ilease to order the levying of the same. 

The magists haue voted that In answer to the Request of the present 

iihabitants resident at Lancaster, this court doth order that all psons or 

Eicir heirs executors or administrators that are propriters of lands there 

eing grants of that townc. shall pay their proportion to a town Rate, for 

iBPecting a meeting house, & mainteynance of A minster in y^ towne 

^cording as other, the inhabitants y* are p''sent thcr do pay for the same 

of lands. 

The magists haue past this their Brethren the deputyes hereto consent- 

ig 15 September 1684. Edward Rawson Secretary 

Consented hereto by y** Deputies, prouidcd that all persons & estates, 

s assessed by a due proportion to said Rates 

L Hammond / order, 
[Massachusetts Archives, cxii, 366.] 



We must rely upon so late an authority as Reverend 
Timothy Harrington for the information that, ** after the 
resettlement, divers gentlemen for the space of seven years 
supplied the pulpit." He names in a note "Mr. Carter, 
Mr. Wooddrofte, and Mr. Oakes." The last was perhaps 
Edward Oakes who was graduated at Harvard college in 
1679. William Woodrop was a non-conformist deprived 
of his benefice in England, A. D. 1662. Samuel Carter, 
graduate at Harvard, 1660, was the son of Reverend 
Thomas Carter of Woburn, and a teacher there. He mar- 
ried Eunice Brooks in 1672. In 1688 Henry Kerley deeds 
his lands on George Hill to him, but he may have been 
resident here at an earlier day. In 1692 he was settled in 
Groton, and died there in 1693, aged fifty-three, leaving 
four sons and three daughters, whose numerous descend- 
ants figure prominently in the town's history. 



124 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

1684. Henry Kerly, heretofore leiftennt at Lancaster, now remooved, 

& marrjed at Marlborow, is appointed ensigne to the trajne band there in 

y roome of his brother, deceased there. 

[Massachusetts Records.] 

1688. Josiah VVhetcomb is allowed 20 shillings to be paid by the 
County for killing one growne wolfe in y*" Towne of Lancaster. 

Nathaniel Wilder is allowed forty shillings to be paid by the County for 
killing two growne wolves in the Towne of Lancaster. 

John Womsquam Indian is allowed ten shillings to be paid by the 
County for killing one growne wolfe in the Towne of Lancaster. 

[Middlesex Records. Court of Sessions.] 

A law of 1653 established a bounty of 30 shillings for 
ejich wolf killed by a white man, 20 shillings if killed by 
an Indian ; the county treasury refunding 10 shillings of 
this amount to the town in either case. For one hundred 
years this law was little modified except by an increase in 
bounty, though after 1718 the Indian hunter was placed on 
an equality with the Englishman. For whelps and cubs 
the premium was commonly half that paid for full grown 
beasts. The head of the animal whether wolf, wild cat, 
catamount, or bear, had to be brought to the local consta- 
ble, who cut ofT the ears and buried them to guard against 
fraud. 



. . ^ii^^.>^.& 




LANCASTER DURING KING WILLIAM'S 
WAR. 1689-1697. 



The deep scars left by Philip's war had not disappeared 
before the outlying towns of New England were again 
menaced with the horrors of savage warfare. Among the 
New York colonial Manuscripts is a letter from Capt. 
Francis Nicholson, of which the following is an extract ; 

Boston August the jr' i683, 

Soe next day I went through <Jrolon and Lanc.-isier where 

the people were very much afraid (being out town!;) bult 1 told them as I 
did other places that they should noti be soe much ca.st down, for that 
they had the happioesse of being subjects of a victorious King who could 
protect them from all their enemies. . . . 

Lancast" y y' of July : 1689. 
Whereas we y' Inhabitant'; of sd Lancaster being under som fears of 
t>eing surprissed by y" Indians we being by forenier experience sencsible 
of the ire tnallice and crueltie : and being at present destitute of any 
officers in power to order y' millitary afalrs of y towne they doe mutually 
Nominate Mr Thoma.s Wilder for a Leauten' and sergeant John Moore to 
be ensigne and doe hereby adress our stiues to our hon'ed Counclll for 
allowance and confirmation of y same. 

By order of y* Towne John Houofitdn C/i't 

The above nomination of officers are allowed in Iheir Re.sijective offices 
by the Representatives July: 5' 1689 

Attest Ebenrzer Proit C/^ri 

Consented to by the Governor and CouncilE. 

I"* AnniNCTON S,-cry 
(Massnchuseiu Archives, cvn, 171.] 

•689 3^ July. An Order was despatcht to Cap™- Tho I'renies rallying 
his Troop this day at Cambridge to send out two ]jarty.s of twenty each 
out of his Troop well appointed w'!" armes and AiTiunition, one party for 



126 .*>VA1.S :? l.iJ>»-r.\iTER. 

I---^*-i ■: i^'- ,' ".'V.ftr •':r lizi^L---^ r>r :i.t r<*l:e"e and succor of thos 
pliiis. *-- ic.:--: i^i:!:*: •_:•* *i;ail«« :c zzont Trir-zi aid other places adjacenl 
:i ».ic:.-?r izo :i:«r-»» d:e i.::enj^ -rcdic. 3:1c u> take surprise orde- 
i--:;. '.r.^rr. u -*ey 3-1. •a.T* :«:»:crt:iz:TT. 

'\Uasai:^.-:aeTS Archives. LXXXl.] 



Lancaster May 6 1689. 
T-e I-i^Jti-iz.:?* k sc Ij-m^ar ^e^doj toother according to ad — 
-.-iiie f":~ y *-..:■ -"■^: C:iisihll zrz"*^ 1: E^^szcc May 2*^ 1689 ^^e accordingly^. ' ^ 
ch--5e i It: '_•:■■-» Mr R-L-c Hoc;£h:oc ro serae vith v* Council! on v" '•^•^ 
T j*-e5 :e>-il">* i> .:«:ci*:.;r. *rLiZ Rcjuir*, w^ich was confirmed by a Toate '^^ ^ -* 
c: j" Tj»-e: 

35 artess jOHX hol'GHTON Timme Cier 



r--" T^e Tjwzsis desire iic expecndoa is that our hon'd Gou' and 
A>5i5ii-i< i:--i: were elec-tc :_. ±e are men of this coUoney, in May 
I tin or so =ii-> ::' thez: is ~y y siic hon'i gou' and Company shall be 
]'^ci:tc, "znttit :: metier w:± ihe Deicde* rhat shall be sent downe from 
}" 5«-eriII Resce'jii-c Towzes sSiT Reass;:me and exercise y* gouern- 
riea: i> a ^e::"- Jjvirt acconiiz^ :o ocr Charter for the ycare Insuing or 
untill ia: oniers fro-r. hU *:iLca*es y* Fnnce of Orange appeare for the 
setientien: of -y^' a£i;n», w jiic*- wx* dei:lire\i bv a voate of the Towne : 

as anests John hol'Ghton Towm CUr 

Wednesday. Dec. 3, 1690. 
A church is giiherec Sl Wt John \\~hiung ordained Minister at Lan- 
caster. y\T San:: Whitiog gives hini his Charge. Mr Estabrooks gives the 
Right hj.nd of Fellowship : N[r Briosraiead and others there. 

[DsiTT <rf Samuel Sewall, I. 337.] 

John Whiting was the second son of Reverend Samuel 
Whiting, minister of Billerica for rift\--five years- He was, 
when ordained here, twenty-six years of age, having been 
graduated at Har\ard college in 16S5- His wife was 
Alice Cook oi Cambridge- Timothy Whiting, the head 
n\ the family that came to Lancaster from Billerica nearly 
a century later, was the direct descendant of Oliver, the 
brot!ier of Reverend John ^\^liting. According to Rever- 
end Timothy Harrington, " In Feb., 16S8, Mr- John Whit- 
ini: was invited to preach on probation." Joseph Willard 
Em^.. tn»m some original source not now accessible, quote 
the addidonal intormadon that at the same date the tow 
voted to build a parsonage to be paid for : 




I 

I 



one eighth in moiiey ; the rest, one half in work, and one half in corn. 
^^gt. Indian, one third, and English two thirds, at country price, or other 

^.y«<rc ban table pay At a town meeting Jan. 3. 1690. agreed 

r^Z^ make conveyance to Mr Whiting of the liouseand land formerly granted 
town. And the town the tame time went out of the house, and 
Mr John Whiting possession thereof in behalfe of the whole above 
n, formerly granted by the town. 



[HLsl 



'.63-] 



^piil 7. 1692, Jonalhan Prescott of Concord conveyed 
^:3ii-ce of intiTvale land "on y" west side of North River 
^^.^r to y' bridge in y County Road" (Atherton's) to the 
p-%/^n^, acknowledging this consideration : 

.F"romoting the ministrie of the Gospel in y* Town of Lancaster, De- 
^-^ «-»£ & Endevoring the settlement of Mr John Whiting Pastor There by 
^^,^gi«rging His accoinodations There in s"" Lancaster. & S/, p' by John 
j^^ QW-^ Sen' Thomas Wilder & John Houghti 
^f I.j»ncaslcr. 



[Micl< 



of Inhabitants 

Regisliy-l 



X^90. Lancaster was represented among the sufferers 

\f^ Sir William Phips' mismanaged and disastrous expe- 

J,iti«>n against Canada. Endorsed on a list of Phips' cap- 

iztins. in Massachusetts Arcliives. xxxvi, 13.^, is " Lt. 

WUlard of Lanchasler" [Benjamin], and the names of five 

, .Idiers are known from a petition of their heirs, in 1738, 

.r land grants, viz: 

Joseph Atherton. John Pope, 

Jonathan Fairbank, Samuel Wheeler, 

Timothy Wheelock. 

idqo. Ti> thi lion'^ Lift Count' &• CouHitll of Massacku"' Prm/mee 

Ntw HiiglaHd, Grace Mtrcy Sf peace be muUiplitd to j" ■worthy 

Oentliii'' of y Asstmblty. 

The humble Petition of Cyprian Steevens humbly she we th that being 

Camublf ia year i69o[i that yeare sevrall psons moued some to Canady 

\^ oihci ports Sl no estate to be found, my Humble Request is that yo' 

UMi'"ill Consider yor Peiilin' that he may not pay out of his own Kstate. 

to Ibl w' was other men's dues. Yor Pelitin' also Relating to his office 

to JKW has been a great suffrer, haueing two Ratts 10 colect namely 

l*Wl|r Rails w'l' was Grsine. Sl two & a halfe money, ihe scarcity of y" 

Onilol haueing the other, y* Loss in a great meashur became y* Con- 



^1 - 1 ■ 



128 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



stabl\ now yo'" petition' humbley Craues yo"" Hon" favour that you will 
please to Graunt him a clearence from Mr Tayler Treasur' so shall he be 
oblidged to pray for yor Hon's peace & prsprty 

Yo' supleant serv* Cyprian Steevens 

Lancaster June 4th, 1695. 

A List of y* names of those p'sons that moued from y* Town of Lan- 
caster of w**» sum are Dead, in y* yeare 1690. 

Also y* Loss of 16 wolues by a mistake of Major Phillipses Qarke 
Emp' Joseph Watters, 18 ** 



Cyprian Steevens 17 
I "15 



i4 



Cyprian Steevens 


7- 


3 


Will- Huttson 


4- 


3 


Sam° Wheeler 


4- 


1 


BenjamiQ Willard 


4- 


4 


Joseph Watters 


6- 


6 


Nath° Harwood 


3- 


10 


Sam' Sumner 


5- 


4 


Arthur Tooker 


4- 




I 


.. 19 » 


.7 

• 



A true A count as A tests 

Cyprian Steevens 

Constable far Lancaster 

We whose names are vnder written do Atest to y* mouall or death of 

)•• p'sons Aboue written & wer in sd Constables Rates in y* yeare 1690 

John Moore Sen"" 1 e / * /■ -r 
\ , ^ r Selectmen for y. Town 

JosiAH Whitt Sen*^ > j -" 

John Moore Jun' ) ^^ Lancaster 
June Sf 1695 Read in the house of Representatives. 

\Endorsed.'\ June 8th : 1695. The Selectmen of the town of Lancaster 
haueing sent under their hands to excuse the Constable, severall being 
dead & Remooved that the Rate was laid on Voted — that it is due from 
the Townc and that the Selectmen Assess the said Town for said Summ 

W Bond Speaker 

[Massachusetts Archives, Cl, 33.] 

1691. Simon Davis & Ensign Humphrey Barrett of Concord, John 
Howton & Nath" Wilder of Lancaster & Boaz Brown & Thomas Williams 
of Stow, are by this Court appointed a Coiriittee to lay out a conveniens 
high way from Concord according to Law, for theire direction in the mat- 
ter, and to make theire ref>ort to y* next Inferior Court for y* County of 

Midd^ 

[Middlesex Court Records.] 

(]eorge Nube being called into Court to Answer for horrid wickedness 
and profancness laid to his charge he appearing & ye witnesses sworn y* 
case was committed to y* (irand Jury. 

George Nube of Lancaster being Indicted by Grand Jury for high 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 129 



handed contempt of God's Word, Reproaches of y' ministers & calling 
them liars Drunkards and VVhoremasters, and for a practice of high 
handed Debauching as by his own confession & profane neglect of Gods 
Publick worship on y* Lords daies, & Appearing before y' Court to make 
answer thereto dos stand Legally Convicted thereof: Is sentenced to be 
severely whipt on his naked body twenty stripes & to give bond in 20j£ 
for his good abearance & appearance y" next Court to be held for their 
Afajties in Cambridge & to stand committed till this sentence be performed 
«& to pay costs. 

The documents in the case of Lancaster vs. George 
J^fevvby are quite voluminous, including two piously peni- 
tent petitions of the culprit, praying to escape the whipping 
jDOSt. Much of the evidence is unfit for print. The accu- 
ssation of the town fathers was as follows : 

■ 

The Declaration of J no Moore Sen^ Against George Newby Humbly 
Sheweth to this Honer*^ Court, this sd Newby since he came to ou"" Town, 
he has endeav"^ to Pervert all thats Good and has been a Leader to all 
maner of evill. Paying nothing to church nor state. Greatly wronging 
most men that Deale with him, but that w^'' I most would signifie to yo' 
Hon"* is sd Newbys most profainly spaking & sliting of that most worthy 
Peice of worke the Asembly of divines, even the Catechism, sliting the 
holy IJible & the Embasingers of Jesus Christ, saying that they were 
Drunkerds, Lyers, & whoremners, with many other Gross Villineys which 
Inlarges my heart to Petti tion yo"" Hon^ as you are our ffathers & soe wayt- 
ing on you for support, that such a felow may be Removed from us Un- 
der which Protection & Blessing our Little Israel here ih Lancaster may 
be Ingaged to pray for yo' Hon*^ peace & prperity from your Humble servt. 

[Middlesex Court Files.] 

1692. The following letter from Maj. Thomas Ilinch- 
man, at the time in command of all forces in this part of 
the Province, gives a clear view of the unhappy condition 
of Lancaster and her sister towns ; dail}' expecting inva- 
sion by savage enemies and almost powerless for defence 
against them, yet forbidden by a special act of legislature 
from removing. The document is in Massachusetts Arch- 
ives, xxxvii, 340 : 

Afay it p/eas your Hofton, 

Yd' advice of the 14*** Instant of j-* probable Advancing of y* Enemy 
west*^ I haue Received & Render humble thanks for the same. Yo^ con- 



130 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

cernednes for >-* security of these parts Intimated will quicken \'s to 
speciall vigilancy & also Incorages mec earnestly to pray }•• sould" to y* 
numb' of at least 60 may, (if yo' Hono'" sec meete) be speedily sent vp, 
for without such a supply of men I cannot conceive how wee can be de- 
fended in case of an Attack bv \* enemv : our men must work this suiner or 
star\-e in winter, & y*^ hard labour in y* day renders }Tn verry vnfit to watch 
ever}' 3 or 4 nights as many must do if they go to Garrison, & if they stay at 
y*^ house they must expose to be made a sacrifice : 1 Hope }** Hon*^ Councill 
will consider y* whereas y' are but 10 small towns in my Regiment 6 of y^ 
are frontiers & as for Sherbon I can procure no men fro y*", my ord" will 
not be obey^ becaus y' is no militia setled. Among y™, & no settlement or 
directions how I may procure sould'^ fro y* seuerall Towns, & also prov. 
[/rt^vV/V»//j.] I hope y* Councill will also remember y* seuerall sould** in 
this Regmt are sent Elastw^. O^ people groan vnder y* Burden they ly 
vnder for want of sould^ fro >•* Bay parts. & >•". I Intreat o*" case may be 
Considered as yo^ msdom shall direct & Compassion to vs shall Incline 
you. All \-* Inhabitants of dunstable excepting 2 fimil^-s desire to draw 
off, viz J no Sollendine & Thos Lun whose Garrisons are nere to each 

other, these seem wiling to themselves with 10 or 12 sould'*. I desier 

an ord*^ to Capt. i^rker for sum shott who hath a Quantity of y* Countr}'s 
stock in his hand. I am advised \** Lancaster hunters haue lately seen a 
copany of Indians near Wachusett v* number of y* is reported to be 
about 300. yy report themselves to be Albanians. Senecas Maquas w^ y* 
western or Connecticut Indians. This vnusual Confluence of so many 
Indians makes many to suspect & fear a design agst vs. 1 doubt not but 
v* Councill will satisfv themselves about it. The sould" y* I Desier will 
be needed in Chelmsford. Groton & Lancaster. Thus H^ Gentlemen I 
haue been bold to craue at yo*^ hands w'^ut y* least Intention to dictate 
to my superiors but humbly to submit all to yo^ pleasure, & craue pdon of 
my simplicity & plain nes. I am not capable at present of a personall 
waiting vpo you, otherwise I could moce pticularly spread before you o' 
nakedness & v* extream dan£::er of destruction v^ wee are in if not better 
defended then at present wee are. 

I am \^ Hon" Humble Servtt 
Chelmsford. 12 April 1692. Tho HiNCHMAN 

Of the murder of the Joslin family by Indians, July 
iS, 1692, no contemporary mention is discovered. The 
victims were : 

Mrs. Hannah Whitcomb. widow of Jonathan. 
Mrs. Sarah Joslin. wife of Peter. 
Three young children of Peter Joslin. 



. r 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 131 

Captive, 

Elizabeth Howe, sister of Mrs. Joslin. 

Peter, son of Peter Joslin, aged 6 years ; killed shortly after. 

April 17, 1701, a resolve was passed in General Court 
allowing three pounds eighteen shillings to Mr. Thomas 
Howe, " he haveing Paid so much for the Redemption of 
Elizabeth Howe who was Captive to the Indians." She 
returned from Canada in 1696, being then about twenty 
jyears of age, and married Thomas Keyes Dec. 23, 1698. 

J694. To his Excelencyy* Gour Sr Willm Phipps Kn* &c the Honrd Caun- 
cill 6r* /Representatives conveaned at Boston : ffeb : 14'^; 1693 4. 

The Humble Petition of Jno Houghton in behalfe of the Inhabitants 
of y* Towne of Lancast' : Humbly Sheweth, That wheras y* sd Inhabi- 
tants of Lancaster haue both formerly and of late been expossed to very 
great troubles & charges by Reason of y* Long continued war with y* In- 
dians : selierall persons being killed by them & others haueing Lost great 
part of theire estate by them : & also by being so long Nessessitated to 
liue in Garison where neither men nor women can doe but very litle 
towards y' supply of theire familyes ; theire being so mutch time spent in 
watching warding & many allarrums that haue been amongst us & that 
which is more y* dayly feares we were expossed to in y* Dangers which 
atended us in our labours, being for so long a time constrained to get our 
bread with y* perill of our Hues : wherby many are brought to extreame 
poverty, not knowing how to get either food or cloathing for themselues or 
feimillys : also y* great charge expended in building Repairing & maintain- 
ing so many Garissons : eight of which being allowed by order : y* charge of 
sd Garissons being very considerable : also in y* midest of theese troubles 
we haue beene at great charges in y* setlement of our towne : it being 
wholly Destroyed y* last warr : & and yet we are in great feares notwith- 
standing y* present peace we being so few in number & so unable to 
defend ourselues. 

You' Peti" Humble Request to yo' Hon" is that you would consider the 
prmisses & Relieue sd Inhabitants by Granting them som considerable 
allowance for y* charges expended in y* building & Repaireing sd Garis- 
sons, acording as you*^ Hon" in wisdom and Justice shall see meet & heerby 
your Pet' together with y* Rest of the Inhabitants of sd Lancaster shall 
be the beter Incouraged to conflict with y* many Difibcaltyes we are Inci- 
dent to & farther oblidged as in Duty bound euer to pray : &c : 

Jno Houghton in behalfe 
March 3^, 1693I4 of the Inhabitants of Lancast' 



^ ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



In answer to the ibooe Petitioa A for the incouragment of the Inhab- 
itants DC Luicasr. reterrin^ to their great charge in fortitiing themselues 
in this Trocbiesome ticne the house of representatiues do vote that the 
said Tovn be allcared them Tventy pounds out of y* next assesment & 
sent ap to his er^y y Gooer Jk Couocill for theire Concurrance & Consent. 

Nath : Bypield Speaker, 
Oct^ 20* 1691- Vot* a Concurrance by the Council. 

Is^ Addington Secret. 

^Mjssach.3seta Anchrres. C. 4d6L] 



1695. On a certain Sabbath of this year, the date of 
which is not on record. Abraham Wheeler, when on his 
way from the garrison to his own house, was mortally 
wounded by an Indian Ipng in wait for him. It has been 
stated that Wheeler lived upon Wataquadock. This loca- 
tion of his home is proved an error by these items in the 
inventory of his estate, presented in Middlesex Court, Nov. 
6, 1695, by his widow Tabitha : 

m 

To House Lott 12 acres & houseing upon it. 

To three acres of Intervale swamp ai y« Riuer by y* house. 

[Middlesex Probate Files.] 

1697. 12*^ May. HaiTah Dustan came to see us. . . . She saith her 
Master, whom she killd, did formerly live with Mr Roulandson at Lan- 
caster. 

[Diary of Samuel Bewail, i. 453.] 

Sabbath Sepf^ 12. We hear of the slaughter made at Lancaster yes- 
terday. 

Sept*^ 13. At Roxbur}- Mr Danforth tells me that Mr. Whiting, the 
Minister, was dead and buried : Indians shot and scalped him about noon. 

[Diary of Samuel Scwail, I, 459.] 

May, 1697. In the latter end of this month* a woman the wife of Lief- 
tcnant Willdcr disirode her self in a fit of mellancholly. She was in her 
Life time esteemed a truly pious woman By them y* knew her. 

Sept. 1697. On the Saturday following the Indians did a great deall of 
mischief at Lancaster, they beset the towne about noon. Burned 10 
houses, killed and captivated about 20 persons of which the chief was 
the Reverend John Whiting pastor of >'* church of Christ there. 

[John MurshaH's Di;ir\' in possession of the Massachusetts Historical Society.] 

On September 11 a party of the enemy came upon the town of Lan- 
caster then prepared for mischief by a wonderful security, and they 
did no little mischief unto it. Near twenty were killed and among the 
rest Mr John Whiting the pastor of the church there. Five were carried 



^. rJfc 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 133 

captives, two or three houses were burnt and several old people in them. 
Capt. Brown with fifty men pursued them till the night stopped the pur- 
suit, but it seems a strange dog or two unknown to the company did by 
their barking alarum the enemy to rise in the night, and strip and scalp an 
English captive woman and fly so far into the woods that after two days 

bootless labour our men returned. 

[Cotton Mather's Magualia, II, 639.] 

In Massachusetts Archives, 11, 257, is a letter from Gov- 
ernor William Stoughton to the Governor and Council of 
Connecticut, from which this is an extract : 

Boston Sept. 14, 1697. 

Upon ye I if instant a party of Indians to y* number of 

about Forty as was judged, about twelve o clock the same day. Surprized 
and kild about 26 persons at Lancaster, of which the minister of the 
Town was one, burnt two Garrison houses and two Barnes, the Garrisons 
being left open and y* Inhabitants surprized in their Fields : there is a 
party of men out in pursuit of y* Enemy 

A List of Casualties September ii, 1697. 

Killed, 

Reverend John Whiting, aged 33. 

Daniel Hudson. 

Mrs. Joanna Hudson, wife of Daniel. 

Two children of Nathaniel Hudson, grandchildren of Daniel. 

John Scate, Skait or Skeath. 

Mrs. Scate, wife of John 

JVIrs. Hannah Rugg, widow of John, and daughter of John Prescott. 
Joseph Rugg, son of Hannah, aged 29. 

Airs. Rugg, wife of Joseph. 
Tnree children of Joseph. 
Jonathan Fairbank, aged 31. 
<irace Fairbank, daughter of Jonathan. 

[onas Fairbank, son of Jonathan, 
^phraim Roper. 

JMrs. Hannah Roper, second wife of Ephraim. 
Xlizabeth Roper, daughter of Ephraim, aged 14. 19 

Captives, 

Joanna, daughter of Daniel Hudson, aged 37. Killed (?) in captivity. 
Xllizabeth, daughter of Daniel Hudson, aged 39. do. 

Airs. Mary Fairbank, wife of Jonathan, returned January, 1699. 
^rs. Wheeler, Tabitha, widow of Abraham (?). 



"*:■: 



. > • . . • -. 



V-ir^ G-i?c*r. rti^-zed .'iiLiiirr. izic^ 



Rev. Ti=>:ihv Harringt*:-:; in his Centurj^ Sermon in- 
cludes i—.z^ rir c^pnired "2 s:«o c4 Joseph Rugg,"* which 
:> rr.rirly in emr ::' gender, zs Hannah Rugg is the 
--L™e ::' 2, L^incister priso-^r, 1699. Harrington also 
r.i=:^> \m=^i-l -LUC EIliz.=be:h Hudson as killed. If killed, 
:heir r^lirve? did r-M ki>:'W ie lact nearly three months 
liter. i< "aill >: 5l:wr below. 

Reverend J hn Wrirn^'s resdence was on the lawn of 
:he Cc- F j.y et^Ciit, i few feet south c* the well which is 
srll :• use. The b?-use sc&io until early in the present 
vvm-iy . i r^±. b.rdered wt± i:ige button-wood trees lead- 
^r.i -K^:-.- :r:e ~r: d:cr :: ±.e highway south. The inven- 
ts r^ .'f r/s esci:^ 5un> .£^ri p*. a large amount in those 
xl,;\^; ^r.d r:e irdcles rf h-c-usebclc rhrnhnrc indicate a 
vici^xv ;f luxur.- in Irriu^ ouiDc unusual in Lancaster. 
^^:i;•x':5J< A.:c= ^%~•:•'dn|: d>u>dess was much envied the 
tv^^s^'^'xs.cr. . f *i TvLir :f Ble-ar Curtiiris i Vallens,'* valued 
; C :.^\ — ' X >-lvrr jur i fiir>ne silver spoons 2£ io%" — 
I >\ '^ v^,■:^ J>.i^rr> i i rl.aire great vhaires." The 
^ Jvvv^' •'*rr^ ;ft>mi:ed wrrih 7-£ 14*- Twin children, 
\ vv v\ y,c.''^.~ r.ixrlv rire* veir? o^d, died Mav ig, 
\vV" . ^; 'd r\,r. c-; , i^d : yejr* survived the father but 
twx^ 'N^*;"^ Ir, :%": :ie widcw narried Reverend Tim- 









\ 



\« 






lV;i' v': *:lu.*s.T.. JL rriviriiier icd bricklaj'er from 
\\ ,i'A • ,0NV *. 'A,t,< .':,''r::-n^;^d Jir. iriirttisi :a i6(X|.. When he 
\u ^*o * V w . ,v/ •. i^jL*^ >;:Vre >.:> ceaih, he was in pos- 
nn Nv. - o .wv ",..sc l.rs ;f TAer.iy av"nes each, namel}' : 
;Vx' ;o v^ ^Lv V .: -.-d VTirtjc-'s Hill, which last he pur- 
v'\.;>nV. ' ;>^*o ,*, ^Li '^r >:=»:- WiHard- In short* he 
v^\\iu\-. ;>.x^ ; ." , --d >vr.: r:; K,-T*lxroswi Garrison site to 
M'.> \\a*vxvV':vr Tde exic: rccci^^s of his house is 



136 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



side of the way. An item in the bill of the administrator, 
Nathaniel Wilder, against Ephraim Roper's estate, was for 
the fee ^ pd to Jonathan Prescott for curing one of y*^^ 
Daughters of y" said Dec*^ of a wound Received by y"^ 
Indians 7^, 97, ** but whether this was Ruth, aged 16, or 
Bathsheba, the younger, is not intimated. 

Cascoe Bay, y* 17 January 1698I9 
The names of the Captiues Rec^ aboard the Province Gaily from the 
Indians. 

Mary ifarbankes of Lancaster 

Mary Glasser of Lancaster 

The names of the Captiues yett in the Indians hands. 

Ephraim Ropper of Lancaster - Gon to Allbanie. 

Hannah Rugg of Lancaster Gon to Allbanie 

[Kfassachusetts Archives, LXX, 398.] 

To the Hon^^' The U, Gvi*'^ Council and house of representatives in 
Gen^^ Court assembled this 5'* of fune 1701. 

The Petition of Capt' Thomas Brown humbly Shew* That yo' Pet^ in 
the Month of Sept. 1697 when the Indians alarmed the Towne of Lancas- 
ter, was coinanded by Maj' Tyng ^ith a Company of Solders to pursue 
them, and in that pursuit and Expedition lost a very good horse of about 
Tenn pounds value and never yet had any satisfaction for the same. Yo' 
Petf hopes yo'' hon'* will consider the premises, and recompence yo*" pet' by 
allowing him the value of his loss, purely sustain** in the Countreys service, 
or w' oth*^ compensation ^o*^ hon'^ shall see meet ; 

[Massiichusetts Archives, LXX, 527.] 

1697. To the Rt. Honrable tfu Lieut Go7*r the Honed Councill ^ Repre- 
sentatives Convened in Gen^all Assembly at Boston October 13 1697 

The Humble Petition of John Houghton in behalfe of the Inhabitants 
of the Towne, of Lancaster Humbly Showeth That fforasmuch as the 
Righteous God hath permited the heathen Indian Enemyes to kill and de- 
stroy many of our people in a cruell & barbarous maner both formerly and 
lately to the great terror & amazement of those that survive & to our great 
Loss & Dafhage & especially in having our minister taken away by such a 
awfull stroke, we greatly feare we shall not prevaile with any to com & 
setle with us in the work of the ministrey because of the present troubles 
& also we being left few in number & brought very low by the long con- 
tinued troubles, all which is Ready to cause us to dispaire of any Longer 
Continuance in said Towne except we may have som encouragement & 
Relieffe. Which moveth yo*^ petition"" Humbly to Request your hon''s to 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 137 

consider our distressed condition & that our part of the tax last granted 
may be Remitted there being so many of the persons on whome it was 
levied & their estates destroyed & that we may be freed from paying taxes* 
Whilest we Remaine under such troubles, & that if we may be p'"mited 
through Gods goodnes to continue there for the future we pray that we 
may have your hon's advise & help in the procuring & setlement of a min- 
ister, without which we cannot at present of ourselves do it, & that we 
may be supported with souldiers, for we are no long"" able of ourselves to 
beare up under such a Wasting, & desolating War, all which being by 
your Hon" considered, it is hoped you will se meet to grant our Request 
as above which will greatly encourage said Inhabitants & yo"" petition' as 

in duty bound shall pray &'™ 

John Houghton. 

[EfidorsedJ] In y* House of Representatiues, Oct: 19: 1697 Rec<^. 
Read y* 26^ Oct, 97. In y* house of Representatiues Voted. That for 
encouraging & enabling y* said Towne to get a Minister: y* there be 
Twenty pounds payd out of y* publick Treasury of this prouince to ye 
minister y* shall' be procured to liue there for y* first year. 

Sent up for Concurrance Penn Townsend Speaker 

In Council. 26'?' Oct. 1697, Voted a concurrance 

ISA Addington Secy 
[Massachusetts Archives, xi, 125.] 

1699, Dec 12. Josiah Whitcomb on behalfe of Lancaster Informed 
the Court that they are provided w**^ sufficient pound & stocks and weights 
and measures for which they stand presented for y* want of; the Court 
accepting of his Information they are dismist he paying fees of Court. 

[Middlesex Court Records.] 

In a note to "A Century Sermon," Reverend Timothy 
Harrington gives the names of three ministers who were 
temporarily in Lancaster between 1697 and 1701. They 
were : John Robinson, afterwards minister in Duxbury, 
1 702-1 739, graduated at Harvard, 1695 ; Samuel Whitman 
graduated at Harvard, 1696, and a Mr. Jones. Harring- 
ton says : "Mr. Jones was invited to settle, but difficulties 
arising, his Ordination was prevented, and he removed." 
Joseph Willard, Esq., suggests that this may have been 
John Jones, graduated at Harvard, 1690. If so, he was 
never ordained elsewhere. Harrington adds : " In May 
1701, Mr. Andrew Gardner Was invited to preach, and in 
September following was invited to settle in the Ministry." 



138 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



The following gives evidence thai Mr, Gardner was i 
once placed in possession of his predecessor's house aoK 
lands : 

March 2i- 1701. Alice Whiting, "widow & Relict to the Rev( 
Mr John Whiling late minister of the Gospell at y* Town of Lanca 
in consideratioQ of sixty pounds in money paid, sold to — 

Thomas Sawyer Juner and John Houghton Sen' and tp all and 
ihe rest of the Inhabitants of said Lancaster .... my Dwelling '. 
at said Lancaster with ten acres of upland adjoining to it \yiag 
west aide of the River neer to s'< Thomas Sawyers house and bounded 
northerly and southerly by two highwayes and westerly it comes to be lur- 
row neer to a point and easterly it is bounded by a little common upland 
that lyeih betwixt it and som medow of Thomas Sawyer Sen' .... also 
about six acres of Inlerval Land more or less which said Inhabitants 
formerly purchased of Lieul. Jonathan Prescolt; and is bounded by s^d 
Sawyers medow west, Sam" Prescolts Land north, the highway south. aii{ 
at the eastward end it comes near to a point. All which house and 
were formerly given by said Inhabitants of Lancaster to y* late revet 
Mr John Whiting some time Pastor of y* Church ot.Chrbl there. 

[Middlesei Regalry. 

THE ADDITIONAL GRANT. 
1702. Nov. 6. A Petition of the Town of Lancaster, Praying Liberty 
to purchase of George Tahanto, Indian Sagamore, a Certain Tract of 
Land lying adjoining to the West end of sd Township betwixt (hat, and 
Wachuseis Hills was sent up from the Representatives with the orders of 
that House in answer to the Same, That a committee be appointed by 
this Court to go upon and take a view of the Land petitioned for and t 
make their report to the next session of this Court. The Petitioners to_ 
defray the Charge of the said Commillee. Which Petltic 
being read at the Hoard Ihe said Order was Concurred with : and C 
Tyng Major Thos Browne and Capt James Minott, with such others^ 
the Representatives shall think fit to Name were appointed by this U 
to be a Committee for the affair alToresaid. 

[Massacbuselts Records.] 1 

The land thus petitioned for, had been bought and bond- 
ed more than a year before. The original petition has not 
been found. A copy of the Bond made by John Houghton 
is among the papers of Joseph Willard, Esq. ~ 

Know all men by these presents, that I, George Tahanto, Indian J 
amore, for and in consideration of what money, namely, twelve pouoe 



1 

bertf 
ct of 

d by 

Ord^H 
CoIlM 

"'1 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 139 

was formerly paid to Sholan, my uncle, sometime sagamore of Nashuah» 
for the purchase of said township, and also forty six shillings formerly 
paid by Insigne John Moore and John Houghton of said Nashuah to 
James Wiser, alias Quenepenett, now deceased, but especially for and in 
consideration of eighteen pounds paid part, and the rest secured to be 
paid, by John Houghton and Nathaniel Wilder, their heirs, executors and 
assigns forever, a certain tract of land on the west side of the westward 
line of Nashuah township, adjoining to said line, and butts southerly, for 
the most part on Nashuah river, bearing westerly towards Wachusett 
Hills, and runs northerly as far as Nashuah township, and which lands 
and meadows, be it more or less, to be to the said Insigne John Moore, 
John Houghton, and Nathaniel Wilder their heirs and assigns, to have 
and to hold forever. And I the said George Tahanto, do hereby' 
promise and engage to procure an order from the honored General 
Court, for their allowance and confirmation of the sale of said lands as 
aforesaid, and also that I will show and mark out the bounds of said land 
in convenient time, not exceeding four months, and also to make such 
deeds and conveyances, as may be necessary for the confirmation of the 
premises, and that also I the said George Tahanto do by these presents 
fully ratify and confirm, all & every, the said township of Nashuah alias 
Lancaster to the inhabitants and proprietors thereof according as it was 
formerly granted to them or their ancestors by my uncle Sholan, and laid 
out to them by Ensign Thomas Noyes, and confirmed by the Hon. Gen- 
eral Court. For the performance of all the abovesaid. I, the said George 
Tahanto, have set my hand and seal, this twenty sixth day of June, in the 
13th year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, William the Third over 
England, &c. King, Anno Domini, 1701. 

George Tahanto his mark 

Mary Aunsocaumg her ) mark 
Signed and sealed in presence of 

JOHNWONSQUON his ) mark 

John Aquitticus his I mark 

Peter Puckataugh his R mark 

Jonathan Wilder 

John Guild. 

No action seems to have been taken by this committee, 
or by the general court until 171 1, and the bounds of the 
grant were finally settled in 1721, under which dates fur- 
ther records will be found. 



1 



LANCASTER DURING QUEEN ANNE'S 
WAR. 1701-1713. 



1703. TokUExulUfi ya$eph Dudley Esq' I Capl: G*Htral arndGoptrtwr 
in Ckitf in and m'tr llu Pruvimu ef the Massachusetts Bay iit iVew 
EKglanJ and t'ict Adaiirai of Iht same. The Htm^ltz ktr Majlies i 
Couneit of Ikt sd Prm'tHtt, and Ta Ike HoofH' House of Rt^eantta- 
trves convened in Geiural Assembly for the sd Province. 

The Humble Petilioo of several of the ffreeholders Proprietors & In- 
habitants of Laacostcr Hithin the sd Province, whose Dames are hereuato 
subscribed, Sheweth— That io or about the year 1653. The lohahita.t)ts of 
the sd 'I'own did agree amongst themselves to pay 10 and for the Use of 
the Minister of the sd Town the sum of Ten shillinus a year in coniiider~ 
ation of [heir borne Loits. and if that should fall short of a maiDteoance, 
then to make up the same by an equal Rale upon their Goods and other 
Improved Lands in such way and order as the Country rale was raised. 
Which way and method was equal so long as the Inhabitants of the sd 
Town continued upon their home Latts. liut now so it is may it please 
yo' Excell'^ : and Honors: That several of the sd Inhabitants are re- 
moved from their home Lotts (which are left destitute & unimproved. & 
thereby disenabled to pay any rate att all) to their second Diiision of 
Lotti which pay no Rates, and the charge of the Maintenance of the sd 
Minister wholly falls upon yo' Petitioners to their great wrong Sl damage, 
and if not timely remedied by yo' KxcetK': & hon"*: will be a standing & 
intolerable inconvenience & matter of Division in theyr Town, for thai 
they are not able to bear the Charge thereof. And for as much as the sd 
Town had never any settlement made by Law. but such an agicemeni as 
above sd which is neither binding nor eqtral and whereas sd Town cannot 
agree among themselves how (o raise their ministers sallary, yo' Petition- 
ers Therefore humhiy pray That yo' Exeell" : & Honors will be pleased to 
take the Premises into yo' serious Consideration: and setde the n 
nance of the minister of the sd Town in such methods & wf 
Excell<'> : and Honors, shall in yo' great wisdom seem to be most eqiul h 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 1^1 



just & Right & which may be binding upon them & their posterity for 
ever, and yo"" Petitioners as in diity bound will ever pray &*™ 

Benjamin Bellows Nathaniel Sawyer 

John Johnson Joseph Wiielock 

Joseph Glazear John Glazier 

Simon Steevens George Gijvzier 

Nathaniel Wilder Thomas Rosse 

Peter Joslin Samuel Prescott 

JosiAH White Ephraim Wilder 

Samuell Bennett Nathaniel Hudson 

William Divoll Samuel Carter 

Jonathan Whitcomb Daniel Ruge 

Cyprian Steevens 

[Eftdors€d.'] In the House of Representatives, June 2*1 1703. Re- 
solved, That inasmuch, as the Inhabitants of the Town of Lancaster 
within mentioned were driven out by the Enemy, and the Place wholly 
Deserted: Their former Agreement for the maintenance of their Minister 
is now null and void, and they ought to Proceed to Levy their ministers 
Rate upon their Inhabitants in equall Proportion as the Law Directs. 
Sent up for concurrence. James Converse Speaker, 

die predict. In Council Read and past a concurrance 

IsA Adding^on Secty. 

In the House of Representatives, Sept' 7. 1703. 

Upon the Reading and Considering of the Petition on the other .side. 
ordered. That the ministers .salary in the Town of Lancaster be Levyed, 
and Collected of the .severall Inhabitants by the same Rules, and in the 
same Proportions with the Province Tax ; for this pre.sent yeare. 

§ent up for concurrence. James Converse Speaker. 

[Massachusetts Archives, xi, 183-4,] 

The foregoing petition marks the beginning of an im- 
portant change in the growth of tlie town. In days of 
peace the movement of increase had been steadily west- 
ward, and even the bloody lesson of the massacre of 1676 
had not availed to disturb the centre of population materi- 
ally ; though a few families collected along the sunny side 
of the Wataquadock range, and on the hills east of Still 
River. But each succeeding Indian raid emphasized more 
strongly thfe fact, that, in a military point of view, George 
Hill was a very unsafe position. A retrograde movement 
along the eastern highways took place, and, clustering 



» -**^x 



-v-^ -.irr.ili-r.^ shaped the 
- -^ -V \-trt :: dt excised 



■ ••> — — - ■• - .- .^m^ ^ 'J:' . t f fi : • ,§ ' 

•- ■ '. . J- .~ r *;■.■•;.*-:.* jrrj -^f her 

:rr : — ;:.._ r-^r >:^— :!;. Sheweth. Thai 

-..._ — .rrr^ : Zii: Ler-'^nr.in Willard 

. -:.-.-..-,: .- .- ^i^ of his souldiers 

■ii J— ■ - ■ .:-T. :=-;■. liri. :our of which 

..:_ -.TiTT - ■ rY"c:i::::r. :o Wenepissi- 

■-. : -"^- '''»...jsis order to his men 

.: —:;:-.-? V:-r ; rictioner Oisburst 

. ■ _--- ::r :r;ir,-:i^ of ihese, to >•* per- 

Remainder. 4S: In 



.. . . _ . ^ 



- '. v:.:: t. . :e aDoarent wrong:. 
.: '. 7 "J V....: r.ive Taken care thev 

rr : ■ : .- ■ -T -.:":rr:o never Received 

-- •_- .-. r: 1.: :a f:.r y' foure paire first 

— : ^'. V r. -: :>.-T. :ha: made them, but 
■ ^ ._. -r=si- : *'.:'- :> greatly to theire 
. • : — :t:-± 7.i~ri.ri Will proove a Greiv- 

- - -t: : .--i rs :ha: your Excellency & 
.- -..— c -:-:-- "-l: ;. : j- i^etetion"" may be paid 
•. _ T -?'_ 1 _; ''or said Snow Shoose 

■r ^ \ ..? -*-:i i._-.\et: amounts to v' sum of 

- ■_: s ■ .•^"srzs concerned may be paid 

'.: 1 : .' } =:c::oner as In Duty Bound 

Joseph Wilder. 



_ « 



Read & Resolved That the 

- ;,--. f' i-.r.^'i :c allowed & Paid out of the 
r" :".f : c:i:ioner in full for the snow shoes 
'»:■■._::.- :.-r.:-rrence. 

John Burrell Speaker 

:<,.;.; Jt J":r.:-.rr ISA Addington 5Vv/t. 



1.'. 



V 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 



H3 



Lancaster 7*»» Dec*" 1703. 
To Sargent Joseph Wilder. You are here by ordered by vertu of an 
order to me from his exc"J^ to teake care of y* solders now under my com- 
and in I^ncaster and upon eny amurjences that eny towne be detrod by 
y* enemy you murst command all under my command in groton and per- 
sew after them according to your best understanding and keepe our solders 
in good order til further order from me or other of your Seupeirior ofesers. 

Your friend. Ben'^ Willard Capt, 

and further you are here by ordered to prouide forthwith twenty pair of 

snow shoes, fail not. 

Your friend Beni^ Willard Capt, 

\Endar5ed.'\ Roxbury. 24. Novy 1707. 

The above order was present^ to mee this day, and I do allow it to be 

in persuance of my orders to Captain Willard at the time. 

J. Dudley. 

(Massachusetts Archives, Lxxi, 378.I 



Pursuant to comand from his Excellency bearing date April 15^* 1704 
for the Settleing of Garrisons in y* Towne of Lancaster & ordering men 
to y* Same, Wee the subscribers do hereby Direct & Coinand you y! In- 
habitants of s<*: Lancaster to Repaire to you! Severall Garrisons according 
to appointment as followeth & Attend you' Duties therein. Dat. 20^ 
April 1704. 



on y* cast side of y* River ' 
John Moore A Jonathan 

Moore 
Allowed a Garrison y* said 
■John Moore Coinander — 

Jonathan Moore 

Will" Sawyer 

Joseph Sawyer 

Josiah Wheeler 

John Hinds 

James Keyes 



p'sons 

2 



I 
I 
I 
I 

2 
I- 9 



Josiah Whetcomb sen^ allowed a 
Garrison himselfe Cofnander 2 

Josiah Whetcomb Ju' 

David Whetcomb 

Hexekiah Whetcomb 

Jacob Houghton 

Henry Houghton 

John Wilder Ju' i- 8 



Bare Hill 

John Priest Sen' — 

John Priest Ju' — 

John Warner — 

Caleb Sawyer — 

James Atherton S* — 

James Atherton Ju' — 



2 
I 

3 

2 

I 

I-IO 



Simon Willard & Benjamin 
Bellows allowed a Garrison 
said Simon Willard Coiriandf 

Benjamin Bellows 

John Willard 

Joshua Atherton 

Henry Willard 

James Houghton 

Joseph Hutchins 

Joseph Waters 

Hezekiah Willard 

James Smith 



-12 



% \- t 



V'^L> OF LANCASTER. 



on y' west side Xashnway Ki\ 
M". Andrew Gardner Jc T'luy 
Sawyer J u^ a Garison 
Thomas Sawyer Comander —- 

M" Gardner 

Jabe/ Fairbank 

Nath'. Sawyer 

'xin Harriss 

I^anicll Rugg 

Frescott 






'^ : "^^ 



- 9 



a:y Come Mill 
r r^<co:t Sen: i 



A"..icr a liarison 



3 
I 

I 

I 

J- 7 



» . .V 



-:■*:- ;•' "k r.'.r 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725- I45 



1. Those in John Moore's garrison lived on the Marl- 
borough road in the southeast part of Bolton, near the 
district now called Fryville. The graves of the brothers 
John and Jonathan Moore are in the burial ground on the 
old road to Hudson. 

2. Those composing the Whitcomb garrison lived also 
in Bolton, toward the northeast corner. Families descend- 
ed from them resided there until recently. 

3. The Priest garrison was at the easterly side of Bare 
Hill in Harvard. 

4. The Josiah White garrison was upon the east side of 
the Neck, where Edward Houghton now lives. 

5. Those belonging to Peter Joslin's garrison lived 
along the highway from the Sprague Bridge to the North 
Village. "Ilervey" is an error for Hewes. 

6. Those forming the Simon Willard garrison dwelt 
ing the road through Still River village. 

Capt. Thomas Wilder's garrison was on the Old 

lOn north of the highway, and, according to Joseph 

■d, Esquire, about twenty rods in rear of the house 

rn as the Dr. David Steuart Robertson place. 

The six men whose names are headed by that of 

aliell Beman, had homes upon the east slope of Wata- 

lock Hill. In the descriptions of their lands frequent 

tinn is made of "the cold spring" and "the hill where 

Simon Pipo had a planting field." 

9. Reverend Andrew Gardner lived by the well a few , 
rods westerly from the house of the late Colonel Francis 
B. Fay ; Samuel Prescott, across the road south ; Thomas 
Sawyer, where his venerable descendant, Mrs. Sally Case, 
resides; Nathaniel Sawyer and Jabez Fairbank, half a 
mile westerly in the Deer's Horns neighborhood. 

10. The Prescott garrison site is in Clinton, southeast 
of and very near the crossing of High and Water streets. 




w 



II. Lteutenant Nathaniel WHder's home was upOD the 
aJope of George HilK next his father's home lot. His 
brother Ephratm lived near, and his brother-tn-law, Sam- 
uel Carter, on the farm now owned by Frank D. Taylor. 
Thomas Ross lived half a mile north oo the tirst lot of 
John Smith. 

Joly 30 1701. Sab. normag or Mondaj MO fi c g Indian innded Lan- 
castcrKiBed 24x3 pereoDsborntj' UeetinghaBe and some oUKTboaMft. 
OhkI sf Kenttnd Jota F^kx.] 

This assault was made Monday, July 31SI, very early m 
the morning. The casualties were : Lieutenant Nathaniel 
Wilder, mortally wounded near his omi garrison ; he died 
the same day. Abraham How, Benjamin Hutchins and 
John Spalding, killed. The last was one of Captain 
Tyng's soldiers; How and Hutchios were Marlborough 
men. 

On Monday morning past, the eDem7 French and Indians, fell upon 
Lancaster, about four tiundreit of them, a&saolied six garrisans at once, 
where the people defended themselves verj- well, until assistance came in 
from all parts, by the govemors order, so that in the evening there were 
three hundred men in the town. And the enemy was beaten off with loss, 
but are yet hovering on the head of those to^rns. to make some further 
impression, if nol prevented. 

(Bonon News I^itr, Oeiobei 30. 1704.] 

The account given by Samuel Penhnliowin his" History 
of the Indian Wars," is most relied upon lor the details of 
this affair. Reverend Timothy Harrington impugns the 
accuracy of his statements respecting "the mischiefs done 
in this town by the enemy," but he borrows most of his own 
relation from that history, which is as follows : 

The French in Canada were now forming another design on North 
Hampton, of which wc had seasonable advice: .... Their whole body 
was seven hundred, with (wo Friars, under the command of Monsieur 
Boocore who in iheir march began to mutiny about the plunder thev had 
in view, and expected to be master of. forgeuing the proverb about divid- 
ing the sLtin before the bear wa.t killed. Their dissention at last was so 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 147 

great, that upwards of two hundred returned in discontent. However the 
rest came on, and sent scouts before to observe the posture of the English, 
who reported that they were as thick as the trees in the woods. Upon 
which their spirits failed, and more of their number deserted. They then 
called a council of war, who resolved to desist from the enterprise. Yet 
some staid, and afterwards fell on Lancaster and Groton, where they did 
some spoil, but not what they expected for that these towns were season- 
ably .strengthened. Capt. Tyng and Capt. How entertained a warm dis- 
pute with them for some time, but being much inferior in number, were 
forced to retreat with some loss : yet those that were slain of the enemy, 
were more than thase of ours. One of them was an officer of some dis- 
tinction which so exasperated their spirits that in revenge, they fired the 

Meeting House, killed several cattle and burnt many outhouses 

It was not then known how many of the enemy were slain it being cus- 
tomary among them to carry off their dead ; however it was afterwards 
affirmed, that they lost sixteen besides several that were wounded. . . . 

[Penhallow's Indian Wars.] 

To his ^xcellencie Joseph Dudley Esq*^^ Capt. Getter all and Governour In 
Chief in and oifer Her Mjties province of the Massachusetts Bay in 
New England 6r*c. and to the Honourable Her Majties Council and 
Representatives in Great and Generall Court assembled. 9^f 8'* 1704. 

The Petition of Thomas How of Marlburrah in the Behalf of himself 
& Company. Humbly Sheweth, That Whereas, at the time that Lankes- 
ter was assaulted by the french and Indian enemies, your petitioner and 
company (to it) about thirty, did emediately Issue out, and were a 
means vnder God, to preserue many persons Hues & estates, in sd Towne ; 
with the loss of two men of said company, and defended sd Towne from 
the Insults of so cruel and barbarous an enemy. And after w«*» There 
was found on the Spot where seueral barns were burnt, the bones of Sun- 
dry of the enemy y* were slain by your petitioners & company, besides 
many more supposed to be wounded, w**^ the enemy drew off, and altho 
your petitioner & company recouered no scalps, yet being very cleer and 
plain (to it) of the enemies being slain as afore"*^, your petitioners ; do 
Therefore pray that your Excellencies, & Honours would please to con- 
sider the premises, and Grant them such Compensation as in your Wise- 
dom shall seem mete &c. And yo' Petition' shall as in Duty, pray &*" 

Thomas How for himself & Comp» 

In th^ House of Representatives 

NovT 8: 1704 Read. Resolved That the sum of Ten Pounds be 
allowed, and Paid out of the publick Treasury to Capt" Thom. How, to 
be eqnelly Distributed amongst the Petitioners, as a Token that this Court 
Takes notice of, & well accepts, their good service, abovementioned. 
Sent up for concurrence. James Converse Speaker 



■48 




In CouQCil. Nov. I 
Read ziid pass'* 



l&A Aduikgton Secry- 



To /lis Exceilciuy Jotepk Dudley Etg : iVi^-.- 18: 1704. 

The Humble Petition of Capi. William Tyng Sheweth. That just I) 
fore the mischier was done at Lancaster, yo' Petitioner was in Bostoa. and 
by hb Evccliency was ordered down forthwith to his Post, to go by Duo- 
stable and thence to Lancaster, which ro' Petitioner accordingly did and 
rode (hither upon his own Horse, which he turned into a pasture there, 
and the next morning the Horse was by the Indians taken out of the sd 
pasture & driven Into the woods, when they killed. and ate ihe sd Horse. 
And Farther yo' petitioner Sheweth That one John Spalding who wa.<i a 
soldier under bis command was killed in that action and his Gun taken by 
the Indians, and he being a vety good soldier (tho a youth,) & the Gun 
being his tfalhers who is very poor, yo' Petitioner therefore humbly prays 
this great and General assembly to lake the premisses into Consideration 
and that he may have such satislaction & recompence made him for Ihe 
loss of his Horse, and the ffather of the young man for the loss of his 
Gun as to this great & General Assembly shall seem meet, and yo' Peti- 
tioner shall pray &c W? Tvng 

{^Endorstd.\ In Ihe House of Representatives. Nov. 18: 1704. In 
Answer to the Petition on the other side Resolved. That the sum of Four 
Pounds be allowed and Paid out of the publick Treasury to Capt William 
Tyng Ihe Petiiioner — A nd the sum of Twenty Shilltnga to John Spalding 
father of John Spalding det'' mentioned in ihe Petition. 

Seat up for concurrance .... James Conveksb Speaker 

[M.iuacliusctis Arcliiva. lAKI, loj-^i] 

Oct, 3$. 1704. Mr Andrew Gardner minister of Lancaster, coming 
down from y* watchbox in y* night «"■ a darkish coloured gown was mis- 
taken for an Indian & solemnly slain by a sorry souldier belonging to y* 
Garrison nomine Preskel. 

Qoiimal of Revccnd John Pike] 

I now return to the westward, where, on the ss"" of October ihe ene- 
my did some mischief. Lancaster was alarmed, and the alarm was 1 
means of the unlimely death of the Rev. Mr Gardiner their worthy past 

Several of Ihe inhabitants who belonged to the garrison, were wearied , 
by hard travelling the day before, in pursuit of the enemy. This caused 
this good man out of pity and compassion to watch that nighl himself: 
accordingly he went into the box which lay over the flanker, where he ^ 
staid till late in the night ; but being cold (as was supposed) he was co 
ing down to warm himself, when one belween sleeping and waking, or - 
surprised through excess of fear iired upon him as he was coming oul 



MASSACHUSETTS. i6«- 1715. 



149 



Ihe watch house where no man could rationally expect the coming of an 
enemy. Mr Gardner, although he was shot through the back came to the 
door and bid them open it for he was wounded. No sooner did he enter, 
bm he fainted away : As he came to himself, he asked who it was that 
shot him. and when ihey told him, he prayed God lo forgive him, and for- 
gave him himself, believing that he did it not on purpose; and with a 
composed frame of spirit, desired ihem that bewailed him not to weep, 
but pray for him and his flock. He comforted his sorrowful spouse, and 
expired within an hour. 

[Samuel Pmhallow's History of Ihfl Indiaji Wata.] 

On WedHesilay nighl an Englishman was killed in the Woods at Gra- 

Ion by the Indians, which were afterwards descryed in the night by the 
Light of their Fires by a Person Travailing from Grolon to Lamaiter, 
and judged they might be about Thirty in number; pursuit was made after 
tbem but none could be found. 

[Boston Mews Leiler, OelQbcr 30, 1704.] 

From the diary of John Marshall, of Braintree, in the 
library of the Massachusetts Historical Society, we learn 
further thai the man "killed and scalped by the Indians, 
belonged to the town of Groton, his name was davis: a 
very usefiill ijfifl and much Lamented." This was proba- 
bly"SamueI Davis, who married Mary Waters in Lancas- 
ter, A. D. 1656, and lived here for a time. 

On Thursday night the Reverend Mr Gardner Minister of Lancaster 
was uofortunately shot by the Sentinel on the Watch, supposing him to 
be an Indian climbing over the Walls of the Fortification: of which 
wound he died in an hours space or little more. 

[Boston News Letter, October 30, 1704.] 

Bosfott. In our Numb. 38. As we then received it, we gave you the 
Account of the Death of the Reverend Mr Gardner, Minister of Lancas- 
ter : and having since had a perfect and exact Account of the same, from 
Eye and Ear Witnesses : we thought it expedient lo insert it here, to pre- 
vent various reports thereof: And is as follows — That a man being Killed 
the day before between Groton and Lancaster, and the Indians having 
been seen the night before nigh the Town, Mr. Gardner, (three of the 
men belonging to his Garrison being gone out of Town, and two of the 
remaining three being tyred with Watching and Travelling in the Woods 
after the Indians that day,) beinga very careful as well as couragious man, 
concluded to Watch that night himself; and accordingly went out into the 
little Watch-house that was over one of the Flankers, and there stayed till 



15° 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 




late in the night ; whence a.nd when he was coming down, (as it 
thought,) to warm him. The man that shot him, who was not long be- 
fore sleeping by the fire, came out, and whether between sleeping and 
waking, or surprized with an excess of fe^ir, lired upon him as be w;is 
coming down out of the Watch-house, through a little Trap-door into the 
Flanker, where no man having the exercise of his Reason could suHpeci 
the coming of an Enemy, or suspect him to be so, when in a clear Moon- 
light night he was nigh him. Mr Gardner (though his wound was in hU 
breast, being shot through the Vitals) came to the door, bid them open 
it, for he was wounded ; after he came in, he fainted away, but coming to 
himself again, asked who it was that shot him, and when they told him, 
he prayed God to forgive him, and forgave him himself for he believed he 
did not do it on purpose ; and with a composed Christian frame of spirit 
desired them that were bitterly lamenting over him, not to weep but tu 
pray for him, and comforted his sorrowflil wife, telling her he was going 
to Glory, advising her to follow him ; and in about an hour Dyed, leaving 
his sorrowful friends to lament the loss of sn worthy and desirable a 



Pers 



rBpston News Lencr, NovemI 



M704-] 



The coroner's inquest entirely exonerated Samuel Pres- 
cott. The verdict of the jury is probably somewhere 
extant, but has escaped search. Joseph Willard, Esquire, 
basing his stalements upon that document, tells us that 
Prescott was the sentinel on duty, pacing his beat on the 
parade, when, dimly seeing a supposed enemy coming out 
of the upper Hanker, he challenged him twice. No re- 
sponse being given, Ins suspicions were contirmed and he 
fired. His neighbors declared him guiltless even of cart- 
less haste ; but they could not lift from his life the self-im- 
posed burden of bitter regret. His home was but a few 
rods away, and he could not step from his door, or look out 
from his windows, but his eyes encountered the scene of 
that pitiful tragedy. He soon removed to Concord, selling 
his pleasant home to Reverend John Prentice, Mr. Gard- 
ner was the son of Captain Andrew and Sarah (Mason) 
Gardner of Brookline, and a graduate of Harvard college 
in 1696. He was in his thirtieth year, when his promising 
life was cut short. 



I 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1735. 



151 



To hu ExteUeacy. Joseph Dudley Esqr Captain Generall &- ColHander In 
Chief e in &* in<er his Maj'' Province of y MassachuselU Bay In Newt 
En^and frv; his Maj'' Honrablt CouncUl &■ ReprescKtatives Con- 
vened /it Grnerali Assembly at Boston October 25 1704. 

The Petition of y* Inhabitants of y* Towne of Lancaster in y* Province, 
Humbly Sheweth That whereas yo' Petitioners the destressed Inhabitants 
of said Lancaster being under y* Awfull Rebulces of (Jods hand In y' man- 
ifest Token of his Displeasure ag-^instus. In p'mitting those Barbarous 
Heathen to be such a Scourge to us whereby in y' Suiiier past we have 
Sustained such Losses by Ihem that therby we are greatly Impoverished 
and destressed & som of us almost Ruined as to our estates having little 
or nothing left for our present Sustenance and much less able to Contribute 
to Publique Charges, the Towne having lost severall hundreds of pounds 
esiat by )■■ Indians in theire last attack together with y* loss of our meet- 
ing houst being burnt by them, & more particularly that late awfull stroak 
of Gods Hand y" Last weeke in y' Loss of our Reverend Minister who 
was every way Worthy & desirable, whose Loss is Ready to sink our spir- 
its, also we haveing been at great charge formerly in settteing y* ministry 
& haveing one minister slaine by y' Intlians & now another Taken away 
by a more awfull stroake we are still left destitute & have all againe to 
procure which will be great charge & we feare with much dificulty all 
which Layes us under an Inability of performing what is Required of us, 
Reffering to our Publique Charges. The p'mjsses being considered by 
your Excellency & Hon" with many other Reasons that might be alleadged 
wc Humbly Crave that y* late Tax set and proportioned upon said Towne 
being y° sum of eighty six pounds may be Remitted or such an abatement 
thereof made & Granted to sd Town as yo' Excellency & Hon" Shall in 
Wisdom see to be Reasonable & Just & such Protection and encourage- 
ment afforded for y' future as may be necessary, & yo' Petitioners better 
enabled to beare up under y many Difficultyes we are dayly exercised 
with & ilurther obliged as in Duty bound ever lo pray : &c : 
In behalfe of y'^ Inhabitants of Lancaster 

Novb: y" 2'' 1704. John Houghton 

Jonas Houghton 
[^Endorsed. '\ 

In the House of Representatives Dec; 28: 1704. 

Resolved. That the sum of Forty Pounds be allowed and Paid out of 
the publick Treasury to the Town of Lancaster towards Building a Meet- 
ing House as soon as they shall have Erected a frame for the same and 
Paid the Taxes already laid upon them. 

James Converse Speaker. 

Id Council. 28. Dec'. 1704. Read and Concurred. 

ISA ALDINGTON Stcry. 
[Massacbuselts Arcliivea. CXILF, 363.I 



191 



153 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



1 



To His ExcelUney yosepk Dudley Esq' Captain Geittrall fir* Comandtr im 
Ckieffi Ss'c : In and ovtr her Afajts Province o/y MassackHsetts Bay, 
in New England her AfaJ" Hoh'^abU CoundUh' Reprettntaihts of 
sd Prcvince Convened In CeneraU AssembUy at Dosiom t Oeiaier : 



jjrt 



1704. 



Wheras Wee the Subscribers having Lately Preffered a Petilion to your 
Excellency And Hon" In behalfe of y' Inhabitanls of Lancaster, Id short 
Representing The present destressed Condition of said Towne & on that 
account Humbly Praying for y' Remission of y' laie Tax of eighty six 
pounds sett upon sd Towne or for an abatement of y' same, & being since 
Informed by Capt Tliomas How of Marieborough that you desire a more 
particular Accompl of f lale Losses sustained by severall persons in said 
Towne this \is,t Suiiier by Damage don by y° Indiajis we have accordingly 
sent you an accompt thereof as followcih. 

July y° 31'' 1704 y Indians beseit the Towne in scverall places & par- 
ticularly Lieut Nath" Wilders Garrison wiierc early in y' morning one of 
y* Indians shoti him In the thigh of which wound he dyed j-* same day, 
& y Indians killed of his cattell six oxen five cowes 3 calves sixteen sheep 
twelve swine & burnt his Barne & about la load of good Enghsli hay. 

Of Ephraim Wilders one ox 2 calves 3 cowes one horse 15 sheep I 
swine one good dwelling house with 2 Ares. 

Jonathan Wilder two oxen one horse. 

John Carter 3 oxen one cow one horse 3 swine. 

Sam" Carter 3 oxen one cow one horse 2 calves 2 sivine one good 
Dwelling house with 2 lircs, 

Thomas Ross one cow 2 calves one swine one dwelling house with 
one fire. 

John Houghton Jun 3 swine one large dwelling house' with 3 fires, 
belonging lo him & Phillip Goss & about sixteen pounds of Personall 
estate belonging to sd Houghton burnt in sd house. 



i 



George Hewes two oxen 3 cows 
Sam" Bennilt 3 oxen 2 cows. 
Jonathan Whilcoinbe 2 sheep. 



Simon Sleeve I 
Jonas Houghton t 
Jabez fiairbank or 
Thomas Sawyer J 
John Preist Jun o 
AU which creatur. 
them & many more 



eOx. 

new barne with about 3 loads of good English hay. ! 

heiifer. 

were then killed by y* Indians Sc Housing burnt bjr ' 
wounded & Sevcrall Horses that cannot yet ' 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



153 



be found, though some of the men that have beeo out have found where 
som horsses have been killed and Rosted, also those caltell are >'et pre- 
served are in great hazard to be lost for want of Hay. especially many of 
those on y' yeast side of y' River, for most of y" Inhabitants on y' side 
have had but little or no help or protection in there Garisons but have 
been necessitated to watch & ward a third part of their time at least, 
besides Ranging the wood.s after when Rumours & Allarms have hapencd 
$0 that neere halfe our time is spent in actuall service & when we are 
about our own work we cannot keep to it, but lose a great part of what 
we Labour for l>eing forced to get our bread with y' pril of our Lives 
which hang in Doubt continually & but little peace day or night & many 
of us have formerly been greatly Impoveiished by y" Indians, & see no 
probability but if they can agame it will be so for the future, & having 
lost our meeting house being now burnt by them this sufher which is a 
Gcnerall loss, & also y* los of our iaic minister so that we are on all ac- 
counts as new beginera, & under such discouraging circum.stances that our 
spiritts are Ready to sink Si almost dispaire of subsisting another yeare' 
except we may be under beter circumstances, but still under God Relying 
on your favourable protection & Relieffe hoping fnr y* Remission of y* 
said Tax prayed for in the afForsaid Petition, which if it be granted will 
not Respond a sixth part of y loss & damage we have lately sustained. 
So leaving j" Premisses to your favourable consideration wee Remaine. 
Vour Excellencys & Hon" most Humble Servants to Coiiiand. 

Thomas Wilder 
November 15 1704. John Houghton Jr 

Jonas Houghton. 

(Massacbusciis Archives, cxiir, 365.] 



7i> A>s ExxelUncy Joseph Dudley Esq' Governour, the Honorabk Council 
andy HeprestHtatives siting in Boston June y Vf 1705 
The humble petition of Mary Gardner of Lancaster humbly Sheweth 
That whareas thare was yesterday an acounl laid before y" Court signed 
by y* worshiphill Colonell Taller of money dew to me from y' country for 
enlertaineing of souldiers & damage done by their horses who at coming 
up to Lancaster when y attaque was made upon it by y"" enemy, who in a 
hurry put theare horses in to a field of ry whareby an acre was imediately 
destroyed, for which damage & entertainment of souldiers this honerable 
hous saw cause to alow me but iifteene shillings when besides that, they 
drank a barell of boyled Cyder & a barell of strong bear. Besides Mr 
Gardner his going out Chaplin with y' army in that expedition after y 
eaemy for all which we have Received nothing. Your humble petitioner 
being a desolate widdow prayeth y' Justice may be done her & that she 
may have Dew rccomepence for those things which y" country is more able 
to bare them then herself who hath alwayes bin & is ready to undergoe 



'.^•^1 



154 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



any trouble laid upon her for y« service of y* country. Your Granting my 
petition herein will Greatly obliege your Humble petMoner. 

Mary Gardner. 

In Council ; June. 29. 1705. Read & sent down 
[Endorsed^] 

In the House of Representatives June 29: 1705. Resolved That the 
sum of Three Pounds, 4 shillings & six pence ; be Allowed & paid out of 
the publick Treasury to Mary Gardner the Petitioner as a full Considera- 
tion for the Petition on the other side : 

Sent up for concurrence. Thomas Oakes Speaker 

June, 29. 1705. In Council. Read & concurred. 

IsA Addington Secy. 

[Massachusetts Archives, LXXI, 157-8.] 

1704I5. An Acompt of funeral Charges &c of John Brabrook a sool- 

«der under y* comand of Capt. Will"™ Tyng, who Deceased March 31** 

17045. 

1 d 

Imprimis To Dressing his lame leg &c — „ 12* o 

To Nursing & Charges when sick — „ 6 „ 

To funeral Charg. viz graue clothes 

& Drink — ,,18 „ 

To y« CofTen & Grave — ,, 10 „ 

"1 6 

Ephraim Wilder 
Joseph Wilder 

[Massachusetts Archives, LXXI, 128.J 

An acompt of funeral Charges : &c : of John Carter a souldier under 
y« Comand of Capt. Willi Tyng who deceased March y* 26 170415 : 

Imprimis, To two Jurneys to Concord for y* Doctor — o = 7 = 
To one Jurney to Boston for things for said 

Carter in his sickness — o = 1 1 z o 

To nursing one week — 0=10 = 

To 4 Gallonds Wine at — 0=15 = 9 

j.j a barrill Syder — 0=4 = 

To Sugger, fruit & Spice — 0=5 = 6 

To 6 paier of Gloues — 0=9 = 

To y* CofFen and Graue — 0=8 = 

Nathaniel Sawyer. 
Ephraim Wilder. 

[Massachusetts Archives, LXXI, 129.J 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 155 



1705 Oct. 15. Three men arc carried away from Lancaster from Mr 
Sawyers Sawmill. 

Oct. 16. Hear the bad news from Lancaster. 

[Diary of Samuel Scwall, 11.] 

Mention is found of Thomas Sawyer's mill upon Dean's, 
now called Goodridge Brook, as early as 1699. It was 
upon the site of the present dam near the Deer's Horns 
school-house. The three captives were Thomas Sawyer, 
Jr., his son Elias, a youth of sixteen, and John Bigelow, a 
carpenter of Marlborough. Samuel Sewall's, being a 
contemporary record, is no doubt correct, though Reverend 
Peter Whitney in the History of Worcester County places 
the scene of the capture at Sawyer's garrison house. A 
younger brother of Elias, about fourteen years old, escaped 
through a window, it is said, when the others were cap- 
tured. From Whitney's history we derive the romantic 
story of the elder Sawyer's rescue after he had already 
been tied to the stake for torture. A friar successfully ex- 
cited the superstitious fears of the savages by brandishing 
a key, and threatening with it to unlock the door of Pur- 
gatory and thrust them into its eternal tires, if they did 
not release their prisoner to him. He was probably incited 
thereto by the French Governor, who wished to avail him- 
self of Sawyer's promised skill in the construction of a 
mill upon the Chambly. The mill built, — the first in all 
Canada, — Thomas Saw3'^er and Bigelow came home. 
Elias was detained a year longer, to run the mill and in- 
struct others in the art of sawing. The grave of Thomas 
Sawyer is in the old burying ground. He died " Septem- 
ber 5V* 1736, in ye 89"' Year of his Age." 

1705. To his Excellency yoscph Dudley Esq: Capt, General and Gov- 
ernor in Chiefs To the Ifofio^-* the Council and House of Representa- 
tives now in General Court assembled in and for her Majties. Province 
of the Massachusetts Bay in N'ew En^l^, November the 29^* 1705. 

The humble Petition of several of the Inhabitants of the Town of 
Lancaster whose names are hereunto subscribed. Sheweth. That yo^ 



r . 




MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 157 



Besides information of general interest given in the mat- 
ter and by the signatures of this Petition, the clause which 
asserts in effect that not one man had been killed by the 
enemy on the east side of the river, is important, as help- 
ing to prove incorrect the statements of our historians that 
Richard Wheeler had a garrison at Wataquadock, and 
that he with Jonas and Joshua Fairbank were killed there 
in the massacre of 1676 ; and that Abraham Wheeler was 
slain there in 1695. 

1706. To His Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq*' Captain Generall &* Gov- 
ernour In Cheefe : ^c : Her Majesties Hon^able Couiuill &^ Repre- 
sentatives of the Massachusetts Bay In New England^ Coftvened in 
Generall Assembly at Boston: May y 29^*: Annoque Dom: 1706. 

Wheras it appeares that som of the Inhabitants of the Towne of Lan- 
caster have made Application to your Excellency & Hon™ concerning the 
place of Setting the Meeting house In said Towne & that a comittie hath 
been appointed to Consider thereof but not knowing how far they have 
proceeded therein nor what complaints have been made wee have thought 
It our duty to acquaint this Great & General Assembley with a breviate of 
the Townes Proceedings, Refferring to said meeting house & first at a 
Towne meeting appointed by y" selectmen of said Towne in order therto 
the 16 of October 1704 the Towne then voted to build a meeting house 
and aCTced on y<^ demencions thereof unanimously, but when it came to 
be voted where it should stand about 4 or 5 persons Declared their dissent 
against it. but the Rest of the persons present at said meeting (or y* most 
of them by far) to y* number of neere 30 agreed to set sd house on y« 
East side of y* River on or neer to a plaine knowne by y® name of brid- 
cake plaine in the most convenient place, but those which were dissattis* 
fied objected that y* meeting was not Legal 1 because only warned by the 
selectmen & not by warrant by the hand of y^ constable, to Remove said 
objection the selectmen consented to warne another meeting to consider 
what was farther necessary to be don, Refferring to y building of a meet- 
ing house & accordingly gave out warrants to y Constables, to warne the 
Inhabitants to meet on Munday the 14 of May 1705, which was accord- 
ingly don & the Inhabitants of said Towne being com together after 
several! other things agreed upon, they came to discourse about y*" place 
of seting the meeting house & having som debate theire were some that 
declared theire Dissent against any vote passing Referring to a meeting 
house. Resolving as they said that nothing should be don about it (with- 
out a comittie( except it be set on the place it last stood, but notwith- 
standing the Towne thought they were in theire way to try it by vote (as 



158 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 

had formerly been used about our former meeting house & consonant with 
the first agreement of y* plantation about a meeting house) & accordingly 
voted by papers to set it on the East side of the River as neer to it as 
conveniently can be which was don by a majo^ vote neer Double to those 
that then appeared against it. afterwards at a Towne meeting October y^ 
8f 1705 : upon due warning given to consider about building the meeting 
house & how to Raise a Rate for it & first as to y^ house notwithstanding 
a former vote about y* deroendons thereof the Towne now agreed by a 
vote to build it Larger, also at another meeting November y* 19*^ 1705, it 
was againe voted as to y* place of setting sd house & by a major vote 
agreed to set it on y* east side of y« River on y* place concluded on by the 
former votes. In all which transactions the Towne have Indeavoured to 
accomodate y^ whole as neer as may be & apprehend they have taken 
Right methods in Improving theire Liberties & followed the directions in 
the Law for the ordering & managing theire own prudentialls by a major 
vote, & this matter Reiferring to a meeting house we think to be very 
essentiall & of great moment & a thing wherein every one ought to be 
privilidged with what convenience may be & which is the very thing cared 
and provided for in y^ first covenant & agreement of y*^ Plantation about 
a meeting house, that it might be sett in the most equall & convenient 
place that may be advized by them, which is all we still desire & accord- 
ingly have endeavoured to follow y* stepes of our predessessors without 
being sencible of breaking any Law or wronging any persons among us, 
so humbly Craving your favourable construction of all our proceedings 
herein, & praying your Excellency & honors would Indeavour that peace 
with truth & equitie may be promoted amongst us we Remaine your most 
Humble Servants according to our Capacitie. 

Thomas Wilder 

John Wilder \seUcimen 

John Houghton 
JOSIAH Whetcx)mb 

The said John Houghton subscribes to all above written except, what 

was don at said meeting Novemb*^ the 19*'' 1705, at which meeting he was 

absent 

[Massachusetts Archives, XI, 209.] 

John Houghton, as town clerk, appends a certified copy of "the townes first agree- 
ment al>out a meeting house." 

To his Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq. Captain Gcncralland Gcnternour In 
Cheife &^r. Her Majesties Hon^ablc Councill and Representatives con- 
vened In Generall Assevibley at Host on May y 29^* 1706. 

Wheras som of y*' Inhabitants of the Towne of Lancaster have mani- 
fested theire I )isattisfaction with the Proceedings of said Towne Reflferring 
to the Building of a Meeting house & have addressed themselves to y* 




MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1735. 



^9 



General! Courl & have obtained a ComiUie to Consider of j' premisses 
which Comittie (som of ihem) have had y' Reasons of y' Townes Pro- 
ceedings therein in som measure laid before them which we hope & 
believe are suffisient to evince the equitie of y" same but whai Influence 
ihey liave had we tnow not. therefore we have thought it Necessary to 
acquaint this Great & Generall Assembley with som of many that might 
be alleadged, & first as to y* place of setting said house the Towne have 
considered the Circumstances of the case & have condisended (for y 
convenience of y" Minister & those on y' west side of y° River) to 
set it neere a mile to y' westward of y* Center of y* Township is. Inhabi- 
tants, there being neere two thirds of them that live on the east side 
of the River & neere two thirds of all publiqiie charges are borne by 
Ihem & neere two parts of y* Lands ly on y* East side & almost all the 



to be Ike bigetl by 
jse where the Towne have 
sere halfe of them will be 
If voted as they were to y* 
t, & there is above twenty 
s far agen from y" meeting 



:2dowes so thai that aide not onelyis, but fori 
^•^fX^^. neither will the setting of a meeting Hoi 
«,-<:> ted it disoblidge those on y* west side form 
^m.t K-tc-»<i^U if not altogeiher as nere to y' place noi 
^^M<:^ place & the other but little farther from ii 
g^m. ■rar~»i!1iES on y* east side that yet will be n 

t-^ «::» «-j«.se as the farthest of those on y' west side, of such as are made further 

:»*-*- by setting it on y* Ejst side the River, & wheras som suppose it will 

^ ^ — '^00 tar from y* minister we know not as yet how far that will be tor the 

: «^^ -^--wne have agreed to give him a hundred pound to settle himselfe & if it 

-^^ Siis pleasure to live where he nuw doth (which is scarcely a, mile) the 

~-^:::^ -^^wne is not in fault about it. Si. as for setting a house on y* west side the 

'~^ S. -^.^- ^r. the Towoe can not comply with it having lost two already burtii by 

fc- ■ '~ .^iiemy an that side, & therefore think it not prudence to build thereon 

fa=S- -^5*- £ ne, it being apprehended to be a very dangerous place Si. if there be 

*^^* "^m^ that is more safe & also tnore convenient for y' whole Towne then we 

kt^* ■;:» »~ehend it both our prudeni'e & Duty to build it there, & whereas the 

[t* ^d^ss. ■« of them that sei-me 10 be most avers to the Towns proceedings have 

d^^^«=1.iared it is because they are contrary to y" first agreement of y* Towne 

»*^^» <:» '»-»t a meeting house or else they could Redily comply, so on the con- 

V*~^*«~3/- we apprehend what y" Towne have don herein is wholly consonant 

■^***» said agreement as may be made appeare, the essence whereof is only 

***'»^ : viz to set it in the most equall and convenient place that may be 

*^-v-ijzed & concluded by the Plantation, & if we must be compelled to set 

*■& ^ meeting house on y* place it last stood, then the neerest of all y* 

t^T»iIlies on y" cast side of y" River will be as farr if not farther from said 

Ho«j.ae than the farthest of those that live on y West side, except the Mill 

fltwe think ihey ar not farther from y* new place then they are from y* 

, (Ad, so that considering all our circumstances we apprehend we have don 

p mthing lo wrong any person but Indeavoured to accomodate the whole as 

oECr as may be, so hoping that this Generall Court will not Infringe us of 

ibc Liberties dc I'rivilidges Granted us by the General! Courts Grants A 



mmm^ 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



the Laws of this Province, for us to manage our owne afbires which being 

acted according as we conceive according to said Grants & Laws wee hope 
will be very muclt for y" future peace & welfare of our towne. which wee 
hope & believe this Generall Court will aiwayes be Ready lo promote & 
hereby encourage us under thost many Difucallies. we are Continually 
laboring under & be farther oblldged as in duty bound ever to pray &c ; & 
Remaine your ExoeTlencies & Honors most Humble Servants. In bchalfe 
of y" major part of y" Inhabitants of Lancaster 

John Houghton 
Thomas Wilder 
Joseph Wheelock J- Comiiltt 

JOSIAH WHETCOMB 

John Wiluer 
[Massachuseils Arctiives, x;, aofl.] 



The first clause printed in italics above, as the yet unful- 
filled prophecy of one esteemed very wise in his generation. 
is commended to the attention of the Lancastrian towns 
east of the Nashaway, for their encouragement. The sec- 
ond passage italicised proves that the first church was 
burned by the savages, and prubably during the abandon- 
ment of the settlement, 1676-g. being rebuilt upon the 
same spot about 1684. This has been noted in correction 
of popular belief and previous printed statement, by Rev- 
erend Abij'ah P. Marvin, in his history of Lancaster. 



Wharas by the prouidence of God by sicknes I could not atend the 
commit at Boston yet I itiout good to let thos lliat are concarned under 
stand my mind about that mater relaring to the setlng of the meling houes 
of lankestr, that the most conuenient place for the inhabiiance will be on 
the est sid of the riuer aer to or wher I under stand the town hath voted it. 

Da t March 3 1706 Tho: Browne. 



This may cerlifie whom i 



Concord June. 5. r7o6. 
., that whereas the subscriber 
c to make report where [ancasier meeting 
hous might most conveniendy stand for the benefit of the inhabitants his 
opinion was that it should be on the est side of the town. 

James Minott 

[MassachuscKs Archives. XI, aio.] 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 



161 



Lancaster Judc y* 4 f7o6. 
The Inhabitants of y* east side of y* River in said Towne met together 
to choose a Comitie to send to y" great and General! Assembly now sitting : 
said Court having notified them to appears that so a hearing of y" matter 
Referring to y* place of setting up a meeting houne in said Lancaster 
might be had said Inhabitants thought it necessary (the better to acquaint 
said Conrt) to measure & see the dilference of y* Length of y* way from 
the houses in titai part of y" Towne called y' neck to y* place where two of 
y* Comittie made theire Report the meeting house should stand & to y* 
place where y* Towne have voted it to stand & where y' other two of y" 
Comittie apprehend it most convenieni, & find that neer one halfe of them 
are considerably neerer to y* Latter & the Rest of them but little farther 
from it than they are from y" place Reported to y' Court, & the farthest of 
them not fully two miles irom y' place the Towne have voted it. except y* 
mill. & the Inhabitants on the Eabt side of y' River must notwithstanding 
above ao lamillies of them go farther than any of y° west side & many 
must go twice, & some neere three times as far though the meedng house 
should be set where it is voted, so that we do not take the house from 
them on y' west side as they would Intimate, nor have we don anything 
but what was apprehended to be designed when y* last meeting house was 
built : for although then severall voted to set it on y" east aide, yet the 
major vote carried it on y' west sidu y" River so all was quiet with Ibis 
expectation and generall discourse, that (he next we built should be set 
L, therefor think it strange to meet with 
le of those on y' west side of y' River. 
Thomas Wilder 
John Houghton 
John Wilder \ Comittie 

Joseph Wheelock 
Josiah Wketcomb 



[Mauachusi 



MO.) 



Province of Massackusefts Say. 

To his ExcelUncy yosepk Dudley Esq May, 29. 1706. 

The Humble Petition of several of the Inhabitants of the Town of 
Lancaster whose names are hereunto subscribed in behalf of themselves 
and the Rest of the Inhabitants on the West side of the said Town. 
Sheweth, That yo' Petitioners presented a Humble Petition to this Great 
and General Assembly at their sessions in November last referring to the 
situation of their meeting house praying that it might be settled where it 
formerly stood (viit : on the west, and most exposed side,} as is most con- 
venient both for minister and people, as was fully set forth in sd Petition, 
to which yo' Petition* refer, the Consideration whereof yo' Excellency and 
Hono" referred to a Committee of four Genr; two whereof vixt : Col. Tyng 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



er) wer« ^^H 
: Major ^^V 

til ttit-m ' 



and Major Converse (who knew the CircumsUnces of Ihe matter) 
dearly for having it built on the West side, bill the other 
Browne & Capt. Minott who were strangers, refused to CoDL-ur with ihcm 
so that nothing was then done. Yo'' Petitioners therefore humbly praj 
this Great & Genera! Assembly would please to putt a final End to this 
affeir which has been very troublesome & expensive to yo' Pelitjoners and 
to Determine & appoint the place where iheyr meeting house shall stand. 
And yo' Petitioners (as in duty bound) shall ever pray, &c'T 

CVPHIAN StEVBMS 

John Prescot 

Petek Joslim 

JosiAH White 

Verte Eph": Wh^er 

May, ull, 1706. In Council. Read. & Resolved That both parts of ] 
the Town of Lancaster be heard Ijefore the whole Court on l-'riday the 7" 
of June next by their Committees, referring to the situation of their meet- 
ing House, and that they be notifyed to attend accordingly. 

Sent down for concurrance. Isa. Aiiui.VGTOX Seery. 



In the House of Represenla 



1706. Read and Resolved a 
Thomas Oakes Speaker 



e z6: 1706. Read & not agreed, , 



12. June. 1706. In Council. Upon a full hearing of both parts of the I 
Town of Lancaster by their Committees, Resolved That the Meeting 
House be Erected and set up at or near the place where the old Meeting j 
House stood, and has been twice before built. 'v 

Sent down for concurrance. !ha. Addington Seiy, 

In the House of Representatives Ju 
& Coiriilted. 

June 28 ; Upon a full Hearing, of both parts o( y' Towne of Lancasler I 
by their Comiltees, & y* pleas made, by and in y* behalf of y* sd West 
side, vizt. yi upon the setting sd house in y" old place they were obliged t< 
pay for their house Lotts extraordinary to y" support of sd House & Min- 
istry: And y" East side pleading the Rationality of _v* Rebuilding of j' 
Meeting house on y" East side; In regard of y* danger where it stood 
formerly, & the dissasters that hath befallen them there : & y' it is Ci 
trary to y* vote of about two thirds of y* Inhabitants, that met at a LegaJl j 
Towne Meeting warned Sr. held Ibr the determining y< affair in their Towne ; 
Si seeing most of Ihe lirst planters children being remoued to _v* east nde I 
Resolved, that y* meeting house be erected & sett at y' place, when: y" I 
Towne last appoynted, it should be sett upon y' East side of y' Riuer Ay*] 
y" obligation layd upon y" sd House Lolts extraordinary shal be for euer J 
hereafter null & voyd : & y* said Land be rated to the ministry & sd House 1 



k » 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 163 



according as y* Townes other Lands Improved ; by y* Income, as y* Law 
provides for Towne Rates. 

July 5 sent up for concurrence Thomas Oakes Sp^'^ 

July, 13*^ 1706. In Council ; Read and not concurred. 

IsA Addington Secy, 
[Massachusetts Archives, XI, 207.] 

To his Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq, Captain Generall and Governour 
in Chief e 6y*c : 

The Petition of John Houghton of y* Towne of Lancaster Humbly 
Sheweth. That Whereas som of y' Inhabitants of said Lancaster on y* 
West side of y* River have applyed themselves to the Generall Assembly 
Manifesting theire Dissattisfaction with )'• Townes Proceedings Refferring 
to y* place of setting theire meeting house & his Excellency & Councill 
having sent to said Towne to stop theire proceeding theirin till the said 
Generall Court shall give theire Direction concerning it. In obedience 
whereunto said Towne have Desisted & have don nothing to it since the 
Spring so that y* frame is much damnified by y* weather, & >-* People under 
great disadvantage for want thereof, having for above this two yeares been 
necessitated to meet (on the Sabath) at the Ministers House which will 
not containe halfe y* Inhabitants but many of them must stand abroad in 
all weathers which is very greivious, nor can they heare the minister with 
that benifitt that otherwise they might, & if they may not forthwith go on 
to finish said House they must still be under the same uncomfortable cir- 
cumstances this winter also : as for y* distance of y* inhabitants on y* west 
side the River from y* place where the frame now standeth the farthest of 
them is but about two miles, & there is above 20 famillies on the east side 
that the neerest of them will still be at least three miles from it & som 4 or 
5, & were it not to accomodate those on the west side as neere as may be, 
said meeting house should have been sett neere a mile more eastward to 
com to y* center of y* Towneship & Inhabitants, your Petitioner therefore 
Humbly prayes that your Excellency <& Hon? would take y* Premisses into 
your Consideration & Grant that the former Restriction may be taken off 
& all obsticles Removed, Refferring thereto, which tis hoped will be much 
for y* peace & encouragement of said Inhabitants & farther oblidge yo^ 
Petitioner as' in duty bound ever to pray &c : 

John Houghton. 

Nov: 1 : 1706, Read In the House of Representatives. Ordered that 
the Prayer of sd Petition be Granted . 

Sent up for concurrence. Thomas Oakes Sp. 

Nov. 2, 1706. In Council Read & Concurred. 

Is A. Addington Secy: 

I consent to the within order. J. Dudley. 



164 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



Ao interesting picture for those wlio have eyes to see, is 
framed in this simple letter of" the old town's clerk — a 
pleasant picture, wherein the shadow of a severe asceticism 
is perfused with the glow of heroic faith — a picture of the 
Sabbath in Lancaster one hundred and seventy-five years 
ago — fifty and more of our sturdy progenitors at staled 
hour, some on horseback with wife or daughter on pillion 
behind them, most afoot, with guns on shoulder, wending 
their way at the head of their families from widely scat- 
tered homes towards a common centre — from Prescott's 
Mills and Bare Hill, from the Neck and Bridecake Plain, 
from Qiiasaponikin, Wataquadock and far-away Kequas- 
sagansit, little processions of God-fearing people clad in 
leather and homespun, coming through storm or sunshine, 
in winter's snow or spring mire, and gathering about the 
parsonage at the road crossing in South Lancaster; filling 
its rooms to overflowing, and huddling about its open doors 
to catch in listening ears and carry away in retentive mem- 
ories the fervid exhortations of young master John Prentice, 
the new minister. 

The frame, "damnified" by two years' storms, was now 
quickly covered in, and peace reigned in the church. 
Very few facts can be gleaned from contemporary records 
about the edifice, except that Robert Houghton was prob- 
ably chief architect and builder; the town voting him 
twelve acres of land "for work don by him at the meeting 
house," and twenty-five acres "for making the pulpit," 
His brother John seems to have been a peace maker in the 
controversy, and is credited with the gift of the site for the 
building, while Thomas Wilder gave land upposite for the 
burial ground, now known as the Old Common Cemetery. 
Reverend Timothy Harrington tells us that Mr. John 
Prentice began preaching here in May. 1705, was offered 
a settlement February, 1707, and was ordained on the 29th 
of March. 1708. Joseph Willard, Esq., in his histor)' of 
Lancaster gives some information respecting Mr. Prentice "s 



r 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 165 

family which, he is careful to Gtate, was derived from the 

investigations of ancither. His informant was largely in 
error, if we may believe the results of more modern re- 
search. Reverend John Prentice was born in Newton 
about 16H2, being the son of Thomas, Jr., and Sarah 
(Stanton) Prentice. His father died in 1684. His grand- 
father was the captain of cavalry famous in Philip's war, 
who was alive at the time of his grandson's settlement in 
Lancaster, but died at the age of ninety, July 6, 1710, "in 
consequence of a fall from his horse while returning from 
public worship." John Prentice, according to the Rox- 
bury church records, was married to Mrs. Mary Gardner, 
Dec- 4, 170S- II'S faithful ministry in Lancaster ended 
with his life, Jan. 6th, 1748. 

1707 
May il I'lease your excelH 

Wee are sorry that we have Such News 10 acquaint you with, in y' in 
pur Persuit & Engagement with y" enemy we lost 2 men of niarlborough 
besides Wilder which was taken which is Killed : one of Lancaster and one 
of mariborough is wounded : we overtook ihem about 8 or 9 mile wide of 
Lancaster this day about 9 a clock this day where we fought them about * 
hours the enemy haveing a great advantage of us when we come up with 
ihcm ; there being about thirty of them as we supjxise, at Length we wholly 
routed ihem and look all their jiacks and provision & have Slain Several! 
of them without any doubt, but we had not Time to find them, we have 
sent about thirty men to waylay them or head them if they can, being in 
great hast we subscribe 

Your excelly' Most Humble Serv"", 

Praying your further direct'. Tho : Howe 

Jo SI AH Co VERSE 
[Mrtssachusells Archived LF, 174.] 

On Monday last the i6th currant. Thirteen Indians on the Frontiers 
surprised two men ai their labour in the Meadows at Marlborough about 
four miles distant from the body of the Town, took them both alive ; and 
as they parted out of the Town took a woman also in their marching off, 
whom Ihey killed. How. one of the Prisoners broke away In a scufi1e,and 
brought home the Indians Gun and Hatchet, and acquainted (he Garrison 
and Inhabitants, who speedily followed the^i, and were joyned by 20 from 
Lancaster, being in all 40 odd. came up with the Enemy who were also in- 
creased to 36 and on Tuesday at ten of the Clock found them, and in two 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 



167 



shillings, as may a|}peare by the Docters Bill for sd cure, also there was 
one Gun lost being caried away by y* enemy which Gun belonged to John 
ffarer of Marleborough who was then slaine, & his widow & children Left 
in a Low condition, j' Gun was worth at y* Least fourty ahillfngs which 
yo' Peiiiioner prays may he alowed to said Widow ; there were two Horses 
killed and two wounded, one that was killed belonged 10 Jonathan Brig- 
ham being worth eight pounds & the other valued worth foure poiuids 
belonged to Samuel] Ward one of y* Horses wounded was Joseph Newtons 
his charge of aire & Damage was at least twelve shillings, (he other Horse 
wounded belonged 10 Oliver How whose charge for cure & Damage was 
twenty shillings, ther was also som thing 'Considerable expended as was 
Necessars" for y* Decent Bnriall of three Persons Slain in said Engagement. 

Your Petition' therefore Humbly Prays that your Excellency & Hon™ 
would take the Premisses into your serious Consideration & Grant such 
Reasonable alowances to y" Parties concerned as above mentioned r as In 
your Wisdom shall seem Just & Equitable & your Petitioner as In Duty 
Bound Shall ever pray &c. Sam"". Brigham. 

House of Representatives, June 16. 1708. Read & Resolved: That 
there be allowed & Paid out of the Publick Treasury, as follows, v'ni: 

To Ephraim Wilder for the cure of his wound the sum of three Pounds 
and for the losse of his Time, charges &c five Pounds. 

To the widow of John Farrer for a Gun lost Thirty shillings. 

To Jonathan Brigham for a Horse killed four Pounds. 

To Sam" Ward for a Horse killed Two Pounds. 
Sent up for concurrence, 16 June 1708 

Thomas Oliver Sptaker 

In Council Read & concurr^ IsA. Aduington Stcra 



Concord Jui 
These may Certify whom it may concern there is due to 
cLne dressing & curing of a wound in y" thygh of Ephra 
Lancaster which he Received by a sholt from y" Enemy in : 
ment some time in .August last under y* conduct of Lei 
Mlbrow, y* sum of four pounds tenn shillings as atests 

JoNA. Prescott Chir. 

[MasiBchiJsells Archive*, LX.tl, 454 el. seq.] 



ne for Medi- 
n Wild! 
late engagi 
Brigh: 



of 



of 



In Massachusetts Archives, lxxi, 421-3, is a petition 
from Samuel Stevens dated Nov. 10, 1707, asking aid, 
" his hands being both shott by y'' enemy & lost many joynts 
which has Greatly disinabl*' him as to his caling, being a 
Joyner." Twenty pounds was voted him and a pension, 
at pleasure of the government, of forty shillings per 
annum. 



i68 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



1709. To his ExcdUncy Joseph Dudley Esq' Capt General and Govtrtt^ 

in Chuf in and 07'er her Majesties Province af Ike Afassachtisetit Bay 

in New England, and to the Most Honorable Gen' of her Afojesliti 

Council, with the Honii'^'' GenI of the house of Representatives. 

Humbie Peltion of us Whose Names are Under Written humbley 

Sheweth, we Inhabiting on y" West part of >■' Town of Lancaster being 

y* exlreame front, h haveing Subsisted Capt Will"' Tyogs men, are kept 

out of our Money to our Great damage, sume of us iiaueing Reir' nothing 

since Apr" aSJ"* 1703. Which to last April mats a full yeare besids old 

arers of no smai sum. Sume .of us being poor & Under Ingagmts 1*^ 

cannot be answered for Want hereof w'*" exposses to y* penalty of y" law, 

we haue now lo Adress ourselves but to yo' Hon" as y' fathers of our 

Israel, hoping you will Vouhsafe to help us, thai our Money so well de- 

setved, Being alowcd but 3' y' week a man. may be more easchy com at & 

not to pass through y* hands of perticuler men, w°'> has greatly hurt us 

sum years past, if your Hon" se cause to Graunt yo' Pettin" what we 

pray for, will lay us Under obligations to pray for yo' Hon" peace Sl 

Pr^rity. 



Oct 28 1709. 



Yo'' most humble Servts 



\Endoried,'\ 

In the House of Representatives. Nov, 
That the Treasurer, be Directed, to make 



JABEZ FFAIRBANIU 

Joseph Hutcmims 
John Glakear 
John Prescot 
Cvf'RiAN Stevens 
StMON Stevens 
JosiAH White 
Nat HAN ILL Sawver 



i: 1709. Read and ordered, 
Paymts cither to Col Tyng. 
or his son Maj Tyng, for any Demands they haue to make, upon the 
Treasury, for any sum or sums due to ihem. until] they Produce Discbarges, 
under the hauds of the Pctitiouers. for the sums due to them, for their 
Billelting Souldicrs (by their order.) unto this present year 1709. And 
That the sdCol. & his son, do notify the severall Inhabitants of Lancaster. 
Grolton Dunstable &c, That haue by their order Billetted, Souldiers to 
meet with them some time in this present month of November, at some 
certain place in the respective Towns, that they make up their amounts & 
Take Discnarges from the Several! Inhabitants, for their Billettiag Soul- \ 
diers for the lime afores'^. 

Sent up for concurrence. John Clark Speaker 



F 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



due to Jabez fiairbanks for Billeting of men under the "■ ■ * 

command of Cap t William Tyng in the years llaj & 1708 — 9 .. 16 „ la 

due to John Preacott — 2 „ 12 ,. 4 

due to Joseph Hutchins — 1 ., 19 .. 8 

due lo Natlunael Sawyer — I ., 8 .. 9 

due 10 Cyprian Steevens — 6 ,. 19 ,. 6 

due lo Simon Steevens — 1 ,. '7 .. 8 

due to Josiah Whit — 2., 8., o 

Lanchaster twenty first of November 1709 
Then received of Captain William Ting for subsisting men under his 
command in full from the beginning of y* world lo the twenty eighth of 
Aprill one thousand seven hundred and nine by us the sub.icribers 
Nathaniel Sawyer 
CvpRiAN Steuens 
Simon Steuens 
Josiah White 
JABE2 Fairdank 
John Prescott 



Joseph -j- Hucthins 



[Muaachus 



XI. s6s-a-] 



The first page of the Church Records, begun by Rever- 
end John Prentice after his settlement, contains a copy of 
the Covenant. There are no minutes of church meetings 
before 1728, all earlier records being those of baptisms 
and admissioits to the church. 

LANCASTER CHURCH COVENANT. 

Renewed March 39 1 708 before the Ordination 0/ the Rev^ "JohH PrentU*. 

We whose Names are hereunto subscribed being Inhabitants [of tbe] 
Town of Lancaster in New.£ngland, Knowing that we [are] prone to 
otTEnd & Provoke the most high God, both in heart [word and deed] 
through the Prevalence of Sin that dwclleth within us, & [through] 
Temptations from without us, for which we have great [reason to] be Ud- 
fcignedly humbled before him from Day to Day do [in the] name of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, with Dependance upon the Assistance of his holy 
Spirit, Solemnly enter into Covenant with God, & one with another ac- 
cording to God. as followeth. 

Imprimis Thai having Chosen & taken the Lord Jehovah to [be our] 
Cod. we will fear him, cleave to him in Love, & serve [him in] truth with ' 
all our hearts giving up ourselves unto him [as his] People. In all thinga 
to be at his Direction & Sovereigne [dbposal] . that we aay have & hold 




170 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



n with him as [members] of Christs Mystical Body, according 
to his Revealed will [unto our] Lives End. 

2 We also bind ourselves, to bring up our Children & Servants 
[in the] Knowledge & fear of God. by holy Instructions accurdiug lo our 
abilities. &. in Special by the Use of orthodox Catechisms [that] ttue 
Religion may be maintained in our families while we [live] yea and 
among such as shall Live when we are dead & Gone. 

3. And we further promise, To Keep close lo y" truth of Christ, 
endeavouring with lively AfTection towards it In our hearts, to defend it 
against all opposers y'of. as God shall call us at any lime thereunto, 
[which] that we may do. We Resolve to use the holy scriptures [as our] 
platforme, whereby we may discern the mind of Christ [and not the] New 
found Inventions of men. 

4. We also Ingagc our selves to have a Careful Inspection of our own 
hearts, viz, so as to Endeavour by the Virtue of the [death] of Christ, tlic 
mortilication of all our sinful Passions, [worldly] frames & Disorderly 
affections, whereby we may be withdrawn [from] the Living God. 

S- We moreover Oblidge our selves (in the faithful Improvement [of 
our] ability and opportunity) to worship God according to all ihe particu- 
lar institutions of Christ for his Church under Gospel Administrations 
[with] Reverent attention unto y' word of God. to pray unto him [with] 
Praises, and to hold Communion each with other, in the [u.'ie of] the seals 
of the Covenant, namely. Baptism & y" Supper of [the Lord,] 

6. We Likewise promise. That we will peaceably submilt [unto the] 
Discipline appointed by Christ in his Church for offenders, obeying (ac- 
cording to y' will of God) them that have the Rule over us in Ihe [Lord.] 

7. We also bind our selves lo walk in Love one towards another en- 
deavouring our mutual Edification, Visiting. Exhorting, Comforting, [as 
occasion], servelh, and warning any Brother or Sister which offeudeth 
[not] divulging private offences Irregularly, but heedfuUy following the 
Precepts laid down for Church dealing Matth. iS, 15, 16. 17. [While 
for]giving all that do manifest unto the Judgment of Charity [that they] 
truly Repent of their miscarriages. 

Now the Cod of peace that brought again from the Dead Our Lord 
[the] great shepherd of the sheep through the Blood of the Everlasting 
[Covenant,] Make us perfect in every good Work to do his Will, working 
that which is well pleasing in his sight through Jesus X to whom [be] 
glory for ever & ever. Amen. 

Words printed in brackets are in place of those worn 
from edge of leaf. The writing is that of Mr. Prentice, 
and at the end he signed his own name, and wrote below 
it the names of seven of his chtjrch. purhaps ;it that time 
the only male members. They were : Thomas Wilder, 1 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



171 



John Houghton, Josiah Whetcomb, John Wilder, Jeremiah 
Willson, John Rugg. Jonathan Moor. Twenty-five other 
names have been signed on the same, and four on the 
opposite page, from time to time, as they became members 
of the church ; for e.vample. Major Samuel Willard's, who 
joined Nov. i8, 1733, and that of Joseph Wilder, Jr., who 
was admitted April 14, 1734. A majority seem not to have 
signed this copy of the covenant. 



To her Majesties Hoifahle Jiistkes of said Ct'HHty 
iiiened in Quarter Sissions at Chnrisloumt, March 



1710. Middtesexs. 
vf Middlesex c 
r i3'*'7'°/n. 
The Humble Request of The Inhabitants of y" Towne of Uncasier 
as ITolloweth. That forasmuch as said InhablUnts have for several yearea 
past Sustained Great Djiii.ige by Reason of Many Caltell & Horses be- 
loQgiog lo other Townes being brought to feed (in y* Sufner Season) on 
our Cofnons, alihoui^h y' owners of said cattell hate no Right therin & 
Some of our Inhabitants that hve neer the outskirts of y* Towne have 
from lime lo lime for several yeares past Received such cattell under their 
care & Inspection, whereby we are not only Damnified In our feeding 
land, but also most of our out medows are quite Ruined & so eat up that 
we can get but very Little Hay, but shall unavoidably ieen our cattell. 
For Prevention of the Like Damage for y" future y' Inhabitants of said 
Lancaster al theire Towne Meeting .May y* 22'' 1710, Voted & ordered & 
y* Selectmen of said Towne have Acordingly agreed & concluded thai 
from & after y" first Day of April next beinge y' yeare of our Lord 1711 it 
any Person or Persons inhabitants of said Lancaster shall Presume to take 
in any such cattell as above said whose owners have no Right nor Privil- 
ege in said Cofiions, & shall Keep such Cattell to Run at Large lo y* Dam- 
age of y* Towne as abovesaid, every such Inhabitant .so doing shall be 
Lyable lo pay as a fine (lo y' use of the Towne) five shillings pr head for 
every such beast so taken & Kept by them to feed on said Comons as 
abovesaid, which in behalfe of y' Inhabitants of said t^ncaster is hereby 
presented to your Hon" Humbly praying your alowancc & approbation of 
y* same that so it may be binding lo all y' Inhabitants of said Lancaster 
in all Respects as the Law Dirrects in such Ca.ses, tliat may be approved 
off by your Hon" & Remaine 

Your Hon" most Humble Servants. 

Thomas Wilder 

John Houghton 

Joseph Wilder 

Jacob HoufiHiON J 

[Middlesex Court Files.] 



173 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



Charlestown, Mar 13 1710/it. 
The Conn having Inspecied the by Laws of the sd Town ol Lancaster 
s on file allow of the same for this year. 

[MiddicsHj Coiin Records.] 



i7io~ir Afidtilettx tt. To her hfajestUs fion'-abU yutliat of saiJ 
County of Middlesex Convtnid in Quarter SuiioMS at Ciarltlowne. 
March y* 13"" 1710 11. Pursuant to a suinons Wherein y" Selectmeo 
of y" Towne of Lancaster or some of them are Required to appeare at said 
Sessions lo Answer to a Presentment of said Towne for want of a School- 
master. These are Humbly to acquaint your Hon" that before the pre- 
sentment wee bad appointed a Towne Meeting in order to y" procuring of 
a Schoolmaster & accordingly have agreed wiih Mr. John Houghton Sen'. 
for the yeare ensuing who is now actually Engaged for Se in said work. & 
hath fonnerly been Imployed by the Towne in said service & Instructed 
some in Writing but under our present Dangerous Circumstances il is 
very Hazardous sending our children to schoole Living so scattering, yet 
we are willing to do herein what Possibly is to be done, not onely to ans- 
wer y* Law but for our own benifitt & therefore Humbly pray there may 
be 00 &rtber Proceedings upon said Presentment. 
Dated Lan" March >- 9* 1710/11, 

pr yr Hon" most Humble Servants 

Thomas Wildeb 

EPHRA.M Wiij>ER Selectmen 

Jf>SEPa WILDER 

Jacob Houghton 



[Middlewix Cotin Files.] 



Chakle^stown Mar. 13 1710/11. 
The Selectmen of Lancaster appearing in Court to answ' their present- 
ment of their Town for want of a schoolmaster and representing to y* 
Court their circumstances and their care for Instruction of youth, the 
Court accepts the same and allow thereof till further order of this Court 



nfile. 



(Uiddiesiu CouR Record!.] 






MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- «7aS- 



»73 



171 1 A List of the Frontier Garrisoms Reviewed by Order 
OF His Excellency the Governour in November 1711. 



No. 


Garriaons 


FamiUes 


InhabitMitt 


SonIdMn 


Sovla 


I 


Heze Willard 


3 


4 


I 


8 


2 


Mrs Houghton 


4 


5 


I 


25 


3 


Capt Wilder 


7 


II 


I 


47 


4 


Mr Houghton 


• 

2 


4 


I 


13 


5 


Mr White 


6 


8 


2 


38 


6 


Lieut Joslin 


3 


3 


2 


18 


7 


Mr Bowers 


3 


7 


I 


9 


8 


Mr Bennet 


3 


7 





34 


9 


Mr Stevens 


4 


4 


2 


19 


10 


Mr Prentice 


2 


2 


3 


9 


II 


Ensg Wilder 


4 


4 


2 


18 


12 


Mr Sawyer 


S 


7 


I 


23 


13 


Mr Prescot 


3 


4 


2 


15 


14 


Mr Beanian 


3 


4 





H 


15 


Mr Snow 


3 


4 





18 


16 


Henry Houghton 


3 


2 





'5 


17 


Mr Preist 


6 


7 





25 


18 


Caleb Sawyer 


2 


3 


I 


II 


19 


Wm Sawyer 


3 


3 





12 


20 


Mr Whitcomb 


4 


4 





'7 


21 


Mr More 


I 


I 





8 


22 


John More 


2 


2 





7 


23 1 Mr Houghton 


I 


I 


I 


3 


24 


Mr Wilson 


I 


3 





II 


25 


Jo Whitcombe 


2 


2 





7 


26 


Mr Wheeler 


3 


4 





»9 


27 


Mr Fairbank 


2 


5 





IS 


27 




83 


III 


21 


458 



[Massachusetts Archires, LXXL 876.] 

171 1. At a town meeting held February 5, some action 
was taken favoring the acquisition by the town of the land 
bonded by Tahanto in 1701, and ninety-eight of the in- 
habitants signed the following contract : 



Know all men, that we the subscribers being desiroas to purchase a 
tract of Land which lieth on the West side of Lancaster, whicli lands 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735- 175 

Tin the House of Representatives Oct: 25: 1712. 

Ordered that the Vole of this House above written be Revived & 
ent op for Concurrence. 

John Burrill Speaktr 

I I7I3- J"°e S. '713- 'n Council 

Read and Ordered That the Tract of Land as within described 
|tM added and confirmed to the Town of Lancaster as part of that Town- 
ilip. not prejudicing any former Grants. 

Sent down for concurrance. Iba. Addington Scey. 

In the House of Representatives June 8 1713 Read & Concured. 

John Burrill Speaker 
(Massachuietis Archives, ex in. 633.1 

(7 15, To tk( HoifabU His Majtiei yusticti of the County af Middlesex 
CoHTeitedia Quarter Sessions at Charlestown December, y ly* 1715. 
These are to acquaint your Hon'* that for as much as we understand 
I>kSi.t the Towne of Lancaster is under Presentment for want of a Grammar 
Schooll & some of ye Selectmen of said Towne are Required to appeare 
■ n order to Answer thereto we have accordingly appointed Capl. Joslin & 
^^r Hooker Osgood to Inform your Hon" that we having no Grand Jury 
an had no knowledge of ye Presentment till we were summoned to ans- 
wer, yet nevertheless the Towne for these severall months have Indeav' 
^red to Procure a xchoole master that may benefit y Towne & answer y* 
£.akw, & have agred with a young Gentleman Viz : Mr Perpoint of Rox- 
t>airy who had now Probably l>een actually in said service but his Indispos- 
■ Cio^ of Body hinders; we would crave leave further to acquaint your 
T-I'on'" that we are humbly of oppinion that we are scarcely Liable to 
r*s ' ea« ntme n t for we have but very Lately had y* number of families y* 
I-^K^v Requires, & a considerable number of them are either single Persons 
^^Id^irs or poor families noways able to Contribule to y* Charge nor yet 
s«*l>sist without Reliefe, therefore Humbly pray that no fine may be 
1 'ni>C3«e(l upon us, nor be as yet enjoined to be constantly provided with a 
G»"^H»er Schoolemaster but that a writing schoole may answer dll our 
<**»»*»t»er be Increased. In behalfe of the Selectmen of Lancaster. 
John HoLGHTo.t 
Oated Last Decemb;)-* 12 171; Town CUrk 

•7»5- Charlestow-n Dec 13 1715 

CTapt. Joslin & Mr. Hooker Osgood of y* Selectmen of Lancaster 

^W^Aring to answer their prsentmcnl for want of a grammar school. In- 

(nftning the court ihey ha\-e agreed w"" young -Mr Pierpont who bad been 

^i^ y* actually but is fallen under indisposition of Body by reason of 

n^ness & expert him speedily, the court accept the sd answer and are 

&tniM paying fee. 

[MJddiesci Com Records.] 



176 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



The law of 1647 enjoins that "where any towoe sbn 
increase to y' number of 100 families or house hould?they 
shall set up a grainer schoole. y" mr thereof being able to 
instruct youth so farr as they may be filed for y" university." 
This taw was in force, and the above action of the court 
fixes approximately the population of Lancaster at this 
date. 

r7r5. Nolandum. August, 4"' 1715, Att a Church meelJng atl y' house 
of John Prentice, Captain Peter /oslin & Joseph Wilder were chosen lo 
y' Deacons office in the Church of Christ in Lancaster & accepted of said 



[Lanca 



T Chnieb Reoordi.] 



Where not otherwise slated, the following pages in the 
town's records are by the hand of Joseph Wilder, Sen., 
proprietor's clerk. 

1716. Monday Feburary ihe 4"' 1716/17. alt a Meeting of the Pro- 
pralee of lL.aDcas-ter It being th<.-re iitated Meeting, and lirst made Choyce 
of Jabaz ffairbank as Moderater for Said Meeting Then severall Propozi- 
lions was Read before the Town bruu Into y* Selectmen 

I Towit the proposition of Nahum Ward Desiers that the Hiway thai 
Leyeth by his Hous may be altered on y" South Side the brook & Lye a 
little Higher & it will be upon as good Land & as Neer to pass to where 
it now Lyea on Divols Land 

I. Josah White Desiers the Town would Grant Liberty that two gates 
may be sett up on the hiway through his entervail according to a fortner 
order in y" Town 

3. John Houghton Sen' Desieres the Town would Let him have the 
entervale aboue the Red Spring which was formerly granted to Danil 
Gaines to make up his entervale Lott the said Houghton haveing Pur- 
chased said Gaines Second devition entervale Lott & Cannot find where 
it was Laied out : or if he Cannot have sade entervale Then that the Town 
would Grant him some other land in Lew there off 

4. Thfn Jonathan Houghton desiers the town to Grant him Liberty 
to Cut! 3 or 4 hunilered pine trees & draw the Turpentine, s* pioes 
desiered ar ajoyning to Som Land of his fathers on y" west side the hiway 
that Ueds to Thomas Wilders. 



1 



The collection of turpentine and manufacture 
the New England pine forests had become an i 



e ine niway ^k 

of tar in ^H 
mportant ^| 



\ 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1723. 177 



R, and these products an article of export to Great 
So early as 1703 legislation was demanded to 
prevent the destruction of trees by those engaged in the 
public forests collecting turpentine. 

5. Ebenezer Wilder desiers ihe Town would Grant him fifty three 
acres of Land, or there abouts partly leyed out by him soposed to be but 
a part of what was purchescd by him of John Addams ; or Els that the 
Town would appoint som meet person to state and make bounds with him 
as Neer as may be according to what is Written the bounds being som of 
them Lost. 

6 Jonathan Moor desiered the Town would Grant him a hiway through 
y* Land of Will™ & Joseph Sawyer formerly Granted & Laied out to bare 
hill Medoffs. 

7 the propozition of John Goss desiers the hiway that goes from the 
Scar bridge to the mill may go up by the River & so com in to the path 
after it com up the Hill 

8 a Clame was M^de by Severall Persons Represented by frances 
fullom to wit as followcth. 

We the subscribers whose Names are under Written 

£ • d 

Daniel How upon the Right of Capt Henry Carley — 100 -0-0 

John Barns upon the Right of Capt Henry Carley — 050 -0-0 

James Keyes upon the Right of — Roper — 050 -0-0 

John Shermon upon the Right of John Moor — 
Benjamin Bayley upon the Right of John Houghton — 
David Church on y Right of Capt Carley — 
David Church upon the Right of Edward Breck — 
John Booker upon y' Right of Robert Houghton — 
Simon Gates upon the Right of Steeven Gates — 
Isaac Hunt upon y* Right of Samuell Bennit — 
Sam" Wright upon y* Right of Cypran Steevens — 
Fra Fullam upon y* Right of George Adams — 
Do Hereby Demand all & every of our Respective Rights & Divisions of 
in & unto ail Rights & Devitions of Lands Made or to be Made in that 
tract of Land Last Granted by the Great & Generall Court of the Province 
of Ihe Massachusets Bay in New England the 27 of May 1713 to be 
added & Coufermed to y* Town of Lancaster as part of that Townsheep 
in which Tract of Land we have & Clame our Just Rights of property in ■ 
proportion as being Invested with the oRiganal Rights in said Town of 
Lancaster John Shermon Sam"- Wright 

Danil How Fra Fullah 

John Barns David CntJRCH 

James Keves Benj Baily 

Simon Gates 



020. 


-o- 


-0 


050- 


-0- 


-0 


050- 


-o- 


-0 


3'4- 


-o- 


-o 


030- 


-0- 


-0 


040- 


-0- 


-0 



.78 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



31 

o of Naliura Ward re- ^^H 



In the second ])Iace they Granted (he Proposi 
fering toy Hiway. 

Thirdly they Granted Josiah White Leberty to set up Cats in the 
Hiway foure years 

forthiy they Granted tlie proposition of John Houghton Refering lo 
Ganes Entervail that it lie aboue (he Read Spring provided it be not found 
to be all Ready Laid out els where 

In y s place In answer to the Proposition of Jonathan Moor they Made 
Choyce of Left John Houghton Easigne James Wilder & Josiah Wheeler 
to be a Commily lo vew y* way proposed for by Jonathan Mnor from his 
Hous to barehill Medow. & pertetjulerly through y* Land of Willi"' & 
Joseph Sawyers Land to Sec if there be need there of: & if needed to 
Lay out y* same & make a Report to the Town. 

Sixtly They Vored that Ebenezer Wilder have sixty-three acres of 
Land in full of what was purchased by him of John Adams where he hes 
now Layed It out by Jonas Houghton Juner : with alowance for a hieway 
through a part of it 

Seaventhly they voted that they will Lay out y* Stated Comon on y* 
west side the River & appointed Jonas Houghton Ju. to be the servaier & 
that £ph Wilder & Joseph Wilder assist him therein & make a Return to 
the ajornment of this Meeting 

Eaightly they voted that y* first Monday of March next be the Meeting 
for Choosing of Town offiser^. 

Ninthly they voted that John Houghton Ephriam Wilder James Wilder 
& Joseph Wilder should Treel with the Niminhahiance Refering to there 
Right 

In y* Tenth place. There was a motion made in sd Meeting that y* 
Staled Common & other Commons should be divided: bul was lell to 
Consederation 

There was allso then a Return made lo the Town by a Commity who 
sent to vew y* Land of Edmund & El>enezer Harris & to se how there 
bounds was betwene them & the Stated Common & Reported thus that they 
had made bounds, from Ebene^er bemans Corner to y' Corner of John 
Benit l^yed out lo y' Right of Mucklode Lakeing in y' swamp to the 
Harrises as it is now marked John Benits Corner being a little pine & so 
Runs to a poplcr takeing in a Smal Corner of Land to Kbeiiezer Harris Se 
from thence it Runes to a Red Oke at y* hiway on y* west side of the 
hiway & so to a Red Oke. one the ea'it side y* way & so luns to a white 
oke & so to another while oke 5: so to Ebene?;er Itemans Corner. Note 
allso that y"line from Jonn Benits Corner Runs straight to llieould Comer 
of Kbene/er Harris Land being a pine. Said Report was Excepted by 
the Town and y' Meeting was ajorned by the Moderater to y" liflh day 
of March next following- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- [725. 



March y 5 1716/17. The propriaters of the Town of Lancaster Meet 

at the Meeting hous upon ajournment from y* forth of February & first 
took into ihere Conscderation the Motion & Clam Made by Seaverall 
porsoDS Represented by Cpl frances Fullum upon y" 4 of february last past 
of and in a tract of Land purchased by the Inhabitance of Lancaster of 
Goorge Dahannala & other Indins & since aded & coofermed to y' Town 
of Lancaster by the Great & General Court, agitated the Same & Con- 
cluded that they towit the proprieters of the Town of Lancaster haue no 
Right nor Enterest in sd Land purchased of y Indiens by any former 
Rights of the Town of Lancaster & allso further Conclude & agree thai 
they will haue nothing to do with y said Land in point of devition upon 
y OReginall Rights of said Town, But Conclude that it be to y^ Inhaby- 
tance of said Town of Lancaster who purchased y same, set off as a pro- 
priaty y' first tusday of March 1715-16 as their proper Right & propriety 
to order Divide Improve & despose of the same according to Ihere enter- 
est therein by purchas as y Law in that case hes made provition. 

Secondly They Made Choyce of Mr John Houghton & Jabaz Fairbank 
to give an answer to y' Non Resodance Retering to there Claroe. 

thirdly they Chose Jonas Houghton Ju to be a Servairer to Lay out 
Land in y old Town Bounds 

forlhly The Town Made Choyce of John Houghton Nathanit Sawyer 
Jonas Houghton & Joseph Wilder to be a Committy to Mesuer & find out 
y' Lotts formerly Layed out in Quasaponacin & make Report to y Town 
as Boone as may be 

fifthly that y Stated Common Extend half a Mile wide till y' first or 
loer line com to y River 

6 They Granted a half devinion of Land in the undevided Land in 
Lancaster to be divided by the same Rule as formerly Si thai they begin to 
Lay out the first of May next & not before 

7 They Granted Eaighty acres of Land to John Houghton Sr for 
Serveing as Clerk & Makeing of Rales, Lying aboue y Red Spring if 
found out of y' Staled Common 

8 They Town Granted six acres of Land to John Wilder & foure to 
James Wilder for alowance for a hiewaie through y Land of John Wilder 
from y Corner of his Land till it Comes to y' Land of Joseph Wilder & 
from y Land of Joseph Wilder to y' hieway that Comes from Marlburrow 

Lastly they ajomed the Meeting to y 8 of april being the Second Mon- 
day of sd month. 

1717. April y8 t7i7 on ajornment from y S of March the Town 
Meet at y Meeting House and first John Goss Proposed to have y Hiway 
moved that Goeth to y Mill the Town made Choyce of John Wilder Sr & 
Robard Houghton to be a Commity to vew y same & make Report to y 
Town 

2 Samuetl Warner put in a proposision to y Town Requesting them 



^' 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 181 

7 They exsepted y* Return of y* Commity who was sent to Lay out y« 
Stated Common 

8 They Voted that all those Persons who have Layed out Land in y 
Stated Common should hould y* same as it is Layed out. 

9 They voted that the Stated Common be divided according to the 
Interest 

10 They voted that no person Cut any timber on y* Stated Common 
otherwise then under y* like penalty as by Law provided for Cuting on 
other mens Land till it be Layed out. 

1717. Charlestown April 30 1717. 

Lancaster Selectmen are allowed to enter theire Caution agst one Rob- 
ert Hues being an Inhabitant of their Town having by their LawfuU Officer 
warned him to Depart theire Town as per theire Caution allowed on file. 

• [Middlesex Court Records.] 

To the Hon^ble Justices .... March ye 13'* 17161^. 

May it Please your Hon"*, that whereas the selectmen of the Towne 
of Lancaster Did in December last past by an order to Josiah White Con- 
stable, Warne Robbert Hues to depart out of y* Bounds pr Limits of 
said Lancaster & accordingly said Constable on y* 4*** of said December 
did warne said Robbert Hues forthwith to Leave said Towne & also made 
Returne of his so doing to y* selectmen & they also Did notifie your Hon" 
Desiring that an entry thereof might be made : that so the Towne might 
not be Lyable to be at y* Charge for his maintenance in case he should 
come to want Reliefe, but understanding said notification was not ac- 
cepted, because not signed by the constable, wee have herewith presented 
to your Hon" y' sd selectmens order to said Constable with his Return 
upon it signed by him, Humbly Requesting it may be Received & Entered 
& said Towne of Lancaster secured from being Chargeable with y* main- 
tenance of said Hues, we apprehending that our former notification was 

agreeable with y* Law. 

John Houghton \ 

James Wilder \Selecttnen 

Joseph Wilder J 
Dated Lancaster March 8 17 16/17. 

1717 August and allso we present y* town of Lancaster for 

neglecting to repair y* great bridge in sd town neer y« meeting house . . 

[Middlesex Court Files.] 

Tusday august y« 29*'^ 1717- In a meeting of y* Propriaters of Lan- 
caster warned by a Warrant from Justice Thomas How Esq' first Made 
Choyce of John Houghton Sr for a Moderater & then Suspended the forth 
devision till the next february meeting : 



'^- --'^ Tir-ur^ zj± ■ . irr -::± itaiea Acsr.z\g xr pncriade, 

'ii:^ Z: \^ : 1-zr 7 zisr -aal- =r i. -l *:<i±rruir :or •faid ^[eet:ag: i 

-j*r. ----j^.'-Mi * i_:j:i "rrzi. Min^jia zttct irst -ae :mi3<innaii af die Rev- 

^r?c*i '.7 -in ~-?f=i-:!* v,-ir:i"'^ — c =ie- irocnce :o ippainc son aieet 

tT^rrj - -.:zzt z\r :.":^." _irT::ir zc .ZiLki us ziaus 3uw Scaizids ::poa 

x^--r'Tr..i J':i:i ?"r:i::iJ:±. June r. iTce. had purchased 
: -f i^r.Ui.- 7-±=^-.:r. :zc mi. rmnart: -nun vho by iccident 
^".Irzi 11= Xr--:r=ni: Jmiiri^ Jur±:cr. *iil 'aL* iioii:«emg. 
L-inii£ mi.: nst-iL:. v^.* Tic ic~i Jiciudes "me upland 
:. ise 1. n ry :^cti.>~..ti rvftnr- icrss iicn; :r less lying 
n -iir ~w"::<r j— ::: r" — - jL'-'fr n :ne N»:nii side of rhe 
L-;:: i: 7*1. .hjj* 5i\~"-:r ruimiic-i s-.ixeh 'tj said Sawyer's 
l^-.rr y--r-n £ ~^'±Sv r* :iie :n:in^vi".' Tjiia -^as the 
*5 *-; J*e-vi. " =c r^e-i. _•;' ne irs J'tjiin Presc::c- and 
;5-jne'v :eri ^c-ir "ine i:i;scrTnr/5C —xc :r" it 5iLcd Samuel 
"-i^.iT- iLiCire. li i'!'.^ :r i^r,^ i lar^ and imdoubt- 
^il- m^cm -1. ii^e. i:it-»v-2 ::• ne Tr Ai:Terrn ziazsion. 



V t icrt rLiTi iL-^rr r^- r»i^cvc vT'ianes H\ini:?crev. and 
::tt T:-±5czr ii:u<<; ir^ivrKi: irvn is? sa;. Tia: .Ld house, 

V ii^..! Ir IfTii^ >-:jLcmi re>=ttaec*i rrr-ziLi^ hi^ marriage 
vni u--: v-..!:: V - !•" S:un:-n rr^inzv:;;. zia/ have been. 
:: VI _: .r z. T-irr. z:e : .^-sfs: ji' J^z'-trtnd ^citl Prenrice 
:.: : ^1*1-^ ~ 7*ie 'i. •i.>.- — u\ u-iii included ihe 



■•j::^^ ." - ; :u*k';^^ rrs -:•»"! tj.u-C rrrrw rj :3e rtnrsv 






MASSACHUSETTS, 1643-1725, 



1S3 



^plors made Choyce of John Wilder Sr Jonas HoughtOD Sr & James 
Wilder [o be a Comtnitte ta vew & Stake said bounds. 

r to the prcipotilion of Edmund & Ebeneier Harris the 
Town volcd to give said Harrises the Hiway proposed for provided the 
said Harrises Cleer the owld bering fecld & Keep it weli subdued five 

they Ctanled the propoiilion of danil Freest: 

o the propoiilion of Samutll Carter then made 
Choyce of John Houghton Esq John Wilder Sr & Jaba/. Bairbank to be a 
Committy to slake the hieway through plumtrccs entervail as necr where 
it was first L-iyed out as they can. by the best Enformalion they can Gilt 

5 tile town Granted the proposition of Caleb Sawyer & Jabaz (airbank 
& Gave them liberty to set there fence upon the towns Land for the fence- 
iog there Medows. 

6 The town Granted a hieway in answer to the propozition of John 
Prescott from his Land to the loor end of the medow Called preescots 
meedow neer where the path now goes to wilt the parth called the dugway 

7 Vpon the Report of a Committy sent to Tew the Land in ponacin & 
Reporting that they can find but fifteen acres of Entervaill Left for Jabaz 
fairbank the town voted that y^' said Jabai fairbanks should hauc thirty 
acres of Land to make up said cnt<;rvait where he shall find it In Land not 
yet Laycd out 

i they voted that the forth devision be sospended till the ajornment 
of ibis meeting and then the Moderator ajorned the Meeting to the 17 day 
of fehruary Currant. 

Monday February the 17: lyij/iS the town meet att the meeting liouse 
and ajorned the meeting to the Last wensday of March next coming at 8 
of the Clook in the Morning & also defered the forth devision till then : 
& also warned a town meeting to be on the [ mouday of sd mrdi for the 
Choyce of town offisers 



; in the hand of John Hougl 



The following records 
ton, Esq., town clerk. 

Monday y" 10"' of March 1717/18 The Inhabitants of Lancaster Met 
at the Meeting house in order to Consider about Building y' Neck Bridge 
by Night pasture: & first chose John Houghton Sen' Moderator for sd 
Meeting & then Discoursed about y' Demeiissioas of sd Bridge: & con- 
cluded it should have ; Trussells, & to be a foot Higher than before, to 
make good buttments: & to be 13 foot wide between y posts which are to 
be of sound oak & so y" Caps and braces : and to brace into y" Posts above 
y° caps & Down into ye'^ Mudsells which are to he 40 foot Long & to cover 
sd Bridge with good Plank or Logs, as tfacy which Build it shall count 



■** 






V Tire c ';'*:==* "V :.:rr 



n- L*:.!** Tu: 



3«-- 



iT-i^ rrr:: r— i t,:-iuiii w^d Lz. Jixordiag to 

-r= : :". I .- ^-^-^* -: jl •uc :Li2er iLiIfe when 

*=■ :^'^ iri: -^ " ...in H«iii:pr':c Sea* Josiah 

1 -=rr :: -j: -i^^ m. z 11 itt faJshed at or 

ur:*- '-XZ '-C T-nri -u jeiL ju Rais ii & 

rr ~i - .T .-F - r.jfS;rr.c La iaL&d of John 



*":I. "•V- -T>^-- ■ - jr :; i^rir: - == Tr^v:! Tier 11 j^ Meeting- 



s ▼•==r* A»=-j 






-*'**::r 



*nc L^i'T't: "Tc!:: iza ^ :~ :■:!-:■■.:-:. :.c 



^■j: j^ir :•■ res-yiLHi— oeiiows to 
"* < -^ ^ ^r f ■£!:;.:ca ~^i=^ ; :r f-rr.'i I-^r-r* >Liue 3«:iT:e otjetions 
a^: "Tsr "ir.r Ijl-^ .;ir ;■ inil^-vi icin:^ . iz aiT** Tic&c;" icj-o^'i cannoo 

'Tr^si± -rr - -i^riv- ■ -:r:»i:;i jLisiiJi.'ciA:- In:er\'all 
iri Li T.!'j Tr::: iidz -:i'" ?i:i:iLiC "ii.'S rvo a-rei for 

~ *.;i.:i .1 liicai ia '"-iv* had no 
iJc'v-inc* LJ-^mi- 1 1^'z-z. — : L; - . :" :.-.:'^r .:i .' S^:i-i Coxon or 
itner izi±-iici-i lanii ii -::-:■ '.nzj^z _ ■::i:.: T*..r-c :r.:cr Lizd t-is Read: 
7:r ie-t:ir- :ae icr=s :t:r - J^-r^r- ..:c :cri - ^;ar:ir r-.r clias Sawyer: 
- iitr^s Ii ia.rti ^r 'lt:c=' ■*■:. v :_:.i :..-:m iv:~: ^ :»ilri *: 'a-Tes Ather- 
-:?i i. ic'-'iar- -i.'ir iLr^r . : I'u,:.: ".-:;.:c;' ■- ^ V-ri Lv.-i?s:va. <& then 
r*"* v.e I.:c:zi^~:i: *^ :«:■..: ii-j. i^i..." .-i.^-vii: ' r'. it: trees: power 
^1 La' ir ^.^3i ;■■ xiic H.^T vi ■ \ :■;:": ~ n.: !«: >r.*~ 'J:~".-inieat t«>r all 
V.oisne?:. L le-Ti i.:,i:j:~r-: irt-i:? ' .'.•i-.c ' :>:iJ: W'liz^ ii John 
H:i:x"--:ii 'ir i TiTir.-^i : L_l :■.- ri^ivi ."-.t: .•:~:\:z inrcrvall 
v. Vr-..-j^s r :i'i :> :: r : l? Li.: _ ..: ■.-...: .,i" .-. 7. v-i . :L ::ie \% ly from 
Zt.r...c.z !':•:< Lr: v- : _\i-. :i:- I:-;- :>? .. -::•:. 1.'^. Jw:r=:i adccu John 
r.-.K^'.-jiz iei." :: ^ ir::-- '^ . ::r _ : m- ~ . .^ ■ : : : f.. - : :t >LL:e y" liiiO 
"-■t'^-T": .';!.- 1-7-*": :^< l-i_: : J. -.:.?:-: Ll.:.:. -l :.':•- =. aijo'jrncd sd 
T-i-.r-i.-_. y.z-fii^ -^:._ ■ •.-:.-.: • -.-i ::-?,.: j. 1 ." Ii i.\: i: lt •:( *. '0'.K:k 
:.- / ::r--:'. 1 ir.i; r. ■-..-..: -. J.i- .;- : . ,. ^- - . .= --.--:::_. :'or K(.auin^ 
-.f rr.r.r-t La:iii .- :-itr :: I^.:-;. -i. ^ :;■■ . : .: > zc':t>5u.r. *v '-ro'jer to 
vt 1.\T.r:. .'^-i.: .:«:- ?.i -. = 1 :=<.:. 1 «: .■" >.: ~.i-:>. i~i>: \' I'ro:>ric- 
v-.r- [- :" i:ii:.f: r.~- - :.- :.i 7: --.-v. .:' Lir.ca>:L-r Met at v 

Mti^rir.z h.-je; -"•:- Z?u-± v-i.— _t- ■; .z :.. :-i=r :: C::^so a Clerk for 
^a:': Pro^ri-i*.. : :^ :: 7.-.s:i=: j. i—t-i ::' .i N!;.::.x: :"?r v" Dividini; of sd 
Corr.rr.rj': s.s »**: :':r.>. Ir. ^.l: i .jlj- -^ .. ::>j: i_T.i.r> :I:;;re:r» Mentioned: 
dc zfvtr VjTT.t l7:>;:_rie ?r::tt.i-:i :: . ^''..i.r or* a M-.-derator John 
H^yiZ^r.rjT. S'i r. ■ : i : ;-. _■ - i. : . : - J : -^ . 7 ' . -^ : * : -^ \ r W ; Id c r Clerk of 
'-A Fro :. n *: tc, r 5 : r* -.i: I p : . . -: - : : . ^ . ,; .m .: > : : ' ■. . .- » a ,15 Sc v e ral! Propri e tors 
M i s ■•! : ng the ad :r.^ - : : r^- w 15 A i : .: rr. .: -1 :.'.'. \ -ec > r* .: \\ e\: n es<Uy in May 
N>xt; which would be •. 14. da v.::* ^»l:i Mjr.th oc :o meet at 12 of \* 
Clock. 



i*"'^ : .. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 185 

Wednesday the 14 of May 17 18 the Town met at y« Meetinghouse 
according to adjornment of theire Town Meeting of y® 26 of March Last 
& also upon y* account of warning given for Choice of a Representative, 
& first Chose John Houghton Sen^ Moderator for sd meeting, & nextly 
Chose John Houghton Ju*" Representative to serve for the yeare ensuing: 
& nextly voted to have Mr Samuell Stow for a Schoolmaster for y* yeare 
ensuing, begining the first Day of May Currant & to allow him 40 pound 
for y* yeare : or proportionable for what time he shall Serve : & to Raise 
the same by the Next Invoice, & then voted that y' 35 pound Granted or 
allowed for building y* Neck bridge be Raised by y* last Invoice : & then 
granted a Town Rate of 7 .. 12 .. o for Defraying of Towne charges, Viz : 

5 pounds for y* Representative John Houghton Ju*" & twenty five shillings 
for edmund Harress for sweeping the meetinghouse. & 12 shillings to Mr 
Osgood for going after a schol master & for payment of the Assessors 

6 then Granted a highway Rate of 20 pounds. 



Wednesday y* 20'** of August 17 18: The Inhabitants of Lancaster 
met at y* Meetinghouse upon Due warning Given, In order to give in an 
Invoice of Polls & estates for y* Province Tax & other The Assesmeuts 
arising in sd Town for y* yeare ensuing : & Accordingly then The Select- 
men took Account of what they could obtain : & afterwards a writing sent 
by Mr Prentice to be Comunicated to y* Towne was Read in which after 
his Desiring the Towne to Consider his Present Circumstances & what 
Need he was in of some help by the Towne he Requested that some 
Addition Might be Made to his Sallerey : & after Considerable Discourse 
about it : it was thought it might be better to appoint a Meeting purposly 
for to Consider of it : & in y* Meantime to Request a Contribution for his 
present Reliefe : & accordingly appointed or Desired John Houghton Sen"^ 
to acquaint y* Congregation of it the next Sabaoth Day : to Desire such 
as were willing to do it that Day fourtnight ; & then appointed that Day 
Month to be a Meeting for the Consideration of sd Sallery & accordingly 
then y* Towne met at y* meetinghouse (being Legall warned thereto) & 
first Chose John Houghton Sen*^ MoDerator for sd meeting : & after some 
Discourse Relating to y* pmisses the Towne seemed Inclined to make 
some Addition to sd. Sallery & some expressed theire thoughts what suiii 
to Add thereto, & after some Tryall by vote, & not effecting y' matter, it 
was voted whether the Town would add fifteen pounds & so make y' sd 
Sallery 85 pounds a yeare which was voted in y* affirmitive upon y* Con- 
sideration that Bills of Crcditt were of so Low a value : & to Continue to 
be paid Anually till such time as the Creditt of them was better : or some 
other Method of traffique betwixt man & man found out that might be 
more Reasonable in equity to Remidy that Inconvenience : as the Town 
may Consider & Conclud thereof. 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



Then follow records in the hand of Joseph Wilder, pro- 
prietors' clerk. 

.\tay the 14 1718 the proprietors being meet alt the meetinghous In 
Lancaster Capt fiances fiiUajn Keqaested sd proprietors that thejr would 
appoint a Comiltie to accompanie him to &e his CUme or too acres of 
Land at Wbashaconi hill which he purchased of John addamcs & n3s 
Coofenned to George & frances addams by the Generall Court the loim 
ID answer to sd Request voted that [ohn Hougbton Sr Capt peter JosHu 
Capt Eph Wilder Ensigne James Wilder & Joseph Wilder be a Comittie 
to treet with sd Capi follani in the towns behalf & to see the Land Clamed 
& to do what they apprehend to be Resouable & just be tweeu him & us 
the sd propriators of Laocasler: & theu ajomed the meeting to the aexl 
morning to eaighl of the Cloock 

In 167s " John Addam" maj gnnln] 100 aero o( land lif the Genera! COiBi, i)e- 
tcnbcd as ' ^y^i at Wesbfcum nrre ilw »Hiih side of thai pooiL' The town had aha 
given George Sl John Adanu in exchange fcx a twentr aoc kn on George Hill daimcd 
by tbem. fa Joes Dear *Washacoinbc great StJd." 

May the 15 the prt^tietors of Lancaster being meet Conclude & agree 
that thme persons who have Layed out there third derision in the Stated 
Common or any part there of have libertie to Lay out there Slated Com- 
moo in uodevided Land & to Lay 3 acres for one Ihey.aquiiiog the Stated 
Common of liie fifth derision it being a derision granted upon the SlUed 
Comon 

I they agree to Chuse a Comitlie to make an Equallity as to quautitie 
& quallitie to every proprietor according to his Right, who shall malce his 
Choycc in the Stated Common where he will layc it 

3 that the Rule for the Standard be Justice Houghtons lolt Compared 
in its own Qu^litie to geatber 

4 they Conclude that every four pound of town Right dixw dog acre 
according to that Standard 

5 they Conclude that all persons who have a desier to Liy out thene 
fifth derision in undevided land haue a libertie so to do & to Lay oat three 
KTCS for one 5: to find it them selves & to Lay it out by the Comon Ser- 
vaicis as former deiisions 

6 they Conclude that if any two or mote persons shall applie them- 
selves to the CoSiittie fat Servaiers for one pece of Land then it shaU be 
desided by a lotl who shall injoy it & the other to make a new Choj'Ce 

7 they Concluded to Chusc three men for a Coininy and then made 
Oio}Tic of John Houghton S* Capt Peter Josltn & Hooker Osgood to be 
the Comnutty 

8 they Concluded to Leve six acres of Land for a truaing fcrid by the 
Htway below Thomas Sawt^rs door to be Laycd out by the Commiuy for 
that vse 



F4*«L«M b*. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 187 

9 they Concluded to Give Joseph Wilder 3 acres of Land in the Stated 
Common att y* Walnut Swamp to Ly to gether with the Rest of his devis- 
ion on sd Common which they give him leve to Lay there, He giveing the 
Propriaty thre acres in the Lew there of by the Hiway neer Justice 
Hough tons barn to l^y Coinon for a training feeld. 

10 they Conclud that Mr John Prentice haue ten acres in the Stated 
Common Layed out to him where he shall chuse the same before any other 
person begin 

1 1 the Conclud that the Committy begin to Lay out the stated Com- 
mon the next Monday : Lastly that the forth devision be defered till the 
first of Ocktober next and then to begin all the perticulers aboue sd ware 
voted destinctly & caried in the affermitive. 

John Houghton, Senior, was Town Clerk in 1718-19, 
but the following record is in the hand- writing of his son, 
Jonathan. 

Monday y* 2^ of march, 1718/ 19. the Inhabitants of Lancaster meet 
at y* meeting House, according to apointment in order to Choose Town 
officers &c : & first chose 

1 Capt Ephraim Wilder moderater for said meeting, & then next a 
warrant was Read for Choice of a Grandjuror, & accordingly y' Town 
was warned p Sami Willard Constable to Choose one, 

2 & then y* Town proceded to y* Choice, & Chose John White the per- 
son to serve on y* Grandjury for y* year ensuing. 

3 the Town proceded to y* Choice of Selectmen, & Chose John 
Houghton Sr. Capt Peter Joslin Josiah White Jonas Houghton Jun; & 
Joseph Wilder Selectmen for y* year ensuing 

4 the Town Choose John Houghton Sen. Town Clerk, & then voted 
to choose assessors 

5 voted & chose John Keys Joseph Wilder & Jacob Houghton Asses- 
sors for y* year ensuing. 

6 the Town voted & chose Daniel Rugg Jonathan Houghton & Heze- 
kiah Whetcomb Constables for y* year ensuing, & then y* Laws enjoined 
to be Read were Read in said meeting 

In 1712 it was enacted that " the laws against drunkenness prophaneness and other 
immoralities .... be solemnly read by the town clerk in each town at their anniver- 
sary toun meeting in March." 

7 The Town voted & chose Servaires of Highways, namely George 
Glazier Jonathan More Jonathan Sawyer & Oliver Wilder. 

8 The Town Chose James Wilder Town treasurer. 

9 the Town Chose Josiah White & Samuel Warner Tything men 

10 The Town Chose Bezaleell Sawyer & Thomas Carter fence vewers 



lif ii-i: K=:\.r:n^ t( 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. igp 



, 1 7 19. The copye of y* notification Lancaster April y* 29 17 19 To 
the Proprietors of Lancaster Conformable to your Stated Rule for y* Gov- 
erning of your Meetings these are to inform you that besides what was 
left for your Consideration to y* ajornment of your Last Meeting to the 
thirteenth of May next at 8 of y* Clock Caleb Sawyer proposes for a hiway 
through the Land of Danil Hutson & John Freest to his Medow : it is 
also desiered by severall that tne owners of y* Walnot Swamp lott be 
indented with that the Hiway which Lyeth by the north entervail may 
cross the sd Lott into y* new hie way marked out by the Committy which 

Croseth the River neer sd Lott 

Joseph Wilder Clerk 

May the 13 17 19 The Rropriaters being mett upon ajornment from 
the second of Feb. & first voted that the Land which Lyeth firee in the 
Swan Swamp & is not yet Layed out be Stated & Staked out for a Hiway 
as neer the Extent of the Bredth Proscribed in the Town Book for y* 
Same as may be 

2 Voted to Chuse three men as a Committy to Stake it out and then 
made Choyce of John Houghton Esq"" Capt Ephriam Wilder & Mr Joseph 
Wheelock to be a Committy to Stake it out 

3 They took in to Consideration the proposall of Jonas Houghton 
and voted to give him five shilling per day for mesoring the y* Stated 
Common & those who asisted him three shillings per day : the whole 
amounting to fourtie four shillings & voted to pay them in Land att four 
shillings per acre 

4 They Receved the Report of the Committy appointed to vew som 
hiewaies proposed for & to state the bounds between the Land of Joseph 
Wilder & the Swan Swamp Rode and first exsepted there Return of a 
Hiway from Mordacoy to Wakapaket brook & Confermed it for a 
hiway as it is marked out exsepting in the Land of James Wilder & he to 
haue libertie if it be for his advantage to moue it more northward : the 
Report of the Committy was as ffolloweth 

Tusday April the 25 We began at the Swan swamp and Ran a 
straight line from the end of Glazers Dich to a white oke Stump below 
Benjamin Bellows Hous which we accounted to be the Corner and Staked 
out the Same. And then Proseeded to vew the Hiway through the Stated 
Common to Wakapakit Brook, and we Judge it most Conveniant that it 
Run from the Entervaill up by the lott of Joseph Wilder through the land 
of William Divoll Edward Hartwill Ebenezer & Edmund Harrises till it 
Coms to the Corner of Joseph Wilders Land that he purchased of Jabaz 
fairbank & then Runing Round sd Corner of Joseph Wilder through the 
Land of John Warner & then Croses a Corner of Joseph Wilders Land 
to the Land of James Wilder & through that to the Land of Josiah 
Wheeler & through to the Land of Josiah Wheeler to the side of Gateses 
Land & so through a pece of Common Land to Bellowses Corner being 






Li"^ :ur lit: iie- :hc 



: -= : i 1. ■» r;=^r-_: ;ur ▼«:; i-ue icccri::i;£:T cone 
.^^ -T * IHT s ".it.-: a H'lCGHT'^s this Ritcrn was 



•t - •- ;.-, ■. l.i::.."u>r«- -:e?e "n^-' ij^rcme voo that the things 

- - - ..-.■: - . ..- :-:- Tie-:!::^ itlz :i:e frs: of Febniin'ricxt are 

: : - • .^ - '.icT.;; jjI'I ." :s«9C Hutch: as tor a hi«ay to 

-■-• V - •.- :-.-::v- i,.i5a:i: :rent:? ilso rhe said Atherton 

X. ...->■• :■ >^: ■ : ; ; ; >. :■- fzi-trriLl n-i Coz^aiaacy belonging to 

:~, -.^- ■: : -i -;■':- it: i^: -Ji-t secrzi ie vision Land of William 

I c . .< -, - - ^ .■•-j<<'i. I rj.- :e T-: -co- Record there being non as 

\e: :; .-t ■ . - : .: :;- -:i rr-.-.c^iirz also oi Elias Sawjer for the 

lis-. ::- "i: J":t -■: .it: •- - -• -s fiiher purchesed of Capt Kerley 

n\i. . ;r K::.-.:^! i:::-::.^^ :: :.:<* iszurc of said deed January the 15 

i;-!.; c," Joseph Wilder CUrk 

I.wrASTF?. Fe7-^2-; :-e :>: :-:o 2c at: a meeting, of the proprieters 
lirst iiKuie Ch.\. ce ?:" ':■,::.: f.i^.-'z xi'si for a Moderator and then in the first 
pl.uv ilr.intov: a ?.\x\\ \:> ":r>:k r.-.^ow i the medows ajasant in answer 
ti> ilu' iMop<^7i;ion or" Joshua A:her:on & Joseph Hutchins towit to pinhill 
.111(1 to a medow of aaror. WiliarJ and a medow called pollopod and down 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- r?!?. 



191 



the west siiie of brook medow lill ii com to the Ijind of John VVillard and 
then made Choyce of Capt Wilder Josiah White and Joseph Wilder to be 
71 Coinmitty to Lay il out thrc Rods in wedth and make Report to the 
propriete 

2 They Granted Ihe I'ropozition of Joshua Atherton Refering to His 
Entervaill and the Land that was William Leweses 

3 They Recevetl and Exsepted ihe Return of a Hiway att y* barehill 
MedowH of a Coinmitty to witi John Wilder Jonas Houghton & Jacob 
Houghton which was as foUoweth Lancaster May ihe 15"' 1719 we 
John Wilder Jonas Houghion & Jacob Houghton being chosen a Com- 
mitty to Lay out y* waies from y' Randevo tree to the Medows down that 
Brook as also up ilie Brook to John Sawyers and from [hence to y" med- 
ows alt y" North East Corner of the Town as it is now staked out and 
marked. Wee have accordingly don y" same: and for what Land we haue 
taken from John Sawyer att his Hous place for y" benifit of sd Hiwaj' we 
haue alowed to him two acres of Land on the west side y' Brook below 
his house provided he Leve Room for a Conveniant Hiway between said 
Land and the Hill on the west side of the same. Jonas Houghton 

Jacob Houghton 
this Return was Eiciepted and Confermed by a vote, and then y meet- 
ing was ajorncd Id y* second Monday of March next : 

Joseph Wilder Clerk 

A COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION. 
To ihe l^roprieters of Lancaster these are to notifie you of what may 
be laied before you all Ihe ajbrnment of of your February Meeting upon 
the second Monday of March next att eaighl of the Cloock, lowiii the 
Proporition of Hooker Osgood for a Hiway betwixt the Lott of Justice 
Houghton which was Hulchsons and his own and so in to y' wods and for 
alowance for what he has wrought in said way and also for a small slip of 
Land by Ihe minesteeriall medow upon Certain Conditions as may be then 
offered; also llie Propozilion of Josiah White for a Record of the Hous 
Lott which he now lives upon and also Several! otiier peces of Land laye'd 
out to his Grandfather John White which there can be no Record found 
of: and ihat he may haue libertie to make a new Record of a pece of Land 
att the bare Hill according to a piatt Lately taken of it : the old Record 
being so dark thai it is not so Inteilegable as he desiers Ebeneier Wilder 
also for Ihe Icnpound Due to him from the Town that He wilt take il in 
Land if the Proprietie se meet : also ihe propozition of Josiah Wheeler 
that a Hiway through y' Land of Sumner and Townsend might haue ihe 
marks Renewed Townsend also desiers that the hiway may be remoued 
in his Land for his better Conveniancy ; also that the hiway betwixt ihe 
Justices feeld and the Rooty hill might be marked out and layed so as 
might be most Conveniant Lastly the propoiityon of Jonas Houghton 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 



^93 



Laokaster old bounds, [hence runing a line three miles giving the allow- 
ance of aboute one rod in thirty, for Swagg of chaine & uneven ground, 
upon a N West point according lo a true meridian, at the end of which 
line we where two hundred & thirty rods from the Kachcwaiunck Pond, 
spoken of in afores'' CoiTilttees report as passing along by. 

2""' At the end of the three miles we made an anyle runing a line 
(six miles & a hundred rods w"' the allowance as afores'') S. West erosing 
the North river & over some of the monosek hills untill we met w^ the 
middle br.inche of Nashanay river : thence making ihe land five miles, 
two hundred and eighty rods wide, and where without the tree spoken of 
in the report (so marked by the Indians for a S. West corner) aboute three 
hundred rods. Thus finding a disagreement between the lines and points 
given and things mentioned as bounds in y' report of y* afores^ CoiSlttee 
for in runing the two lines mentioned we came not near y" pond & other 
bounds, but leaving out the quantity of a Thousand five hundred & twenty 
three acres, and likewise taken in at the S. West corner ttvo thousand 
acres w''' Lankaster men claim not. Likewise considering where that re- 
port speaks of but two lines. He that runs by the bounds must of 
necessity make four or five lines all w"'> things makes thes bounds & y* 
points with their length of lines impassible to reconcile. And being 
directed In our ord' to have regard to y* lines & bounds mentioned in y* 
afbrea'' Cofnittees report : We therefore make our re[X)rt as above men- 
tioned leaving it lo this Hon"* Court to determine as they in their wis- 

Remainlng in SubmlsEion. 

Peter Rice 
W1LJ.1AM Ward i 
[Mnsmchusetts Archives, cxil], 649-50.J 



• Comiltft 



A Petition ol the Inhabitants of L.-incasler and Proprietors of Lands 
purchased of George Tahanlo an Indian Saggamore &c r Shewing, that 
whereas the General Court did in the year 1713 make a Grant and Confir- 
mation of the said Lands to them as it was set forth and described in the 
Report of a Committee sent by the Court to View and Lay out the Same, 
That in the year 1720 A vole was pass'' for altering the Bounds of the 
said Land. In which Vote it is asserted That the people of Lancaster did 
not fairly and Truely, represent their Bounds and the Lines of their old 
Township, They are ready to prove by the affidavits of Two of the said 
Committee (which consisted of but three persons) That their Lines were 
truely and faithfully run, and therefore praying that this Court would Con- 
firm to them The Grant of the sd Land as m.ide in the year 1713. 

1711. In the House of Representatives Jan i^"' 1721. 

Whereas this Great and General Court did at a Session held al Boston 
the 29"' of May 1713 pursuant lo a Report of Cpt Jonathan Prescotl 




■ TTTeiudisiPE any 






MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735. 



their doings to this Court at their next Session. In Council read and 
concurred Consented to Sam"' Shute 

[MassachusMis Records.] 

Marcii The 14"' 1720 The Propriety being Meet first voted that Elias 
Sawyer haue lebertie to Lay out and Enter to the E.slate of William Ker- 
ly S' The Conveniance belonging Said Kerlj's estate in the place where 
he now Games it or elswherc not infrenging upon fonner Records : this 
was voted and Caried in the afFcrmitive 

2 it was put to vote whether Josiah White haue Lebertie to make a 
Record of his Land at the Barehill according to a plat then presented 
taken by Jonas Houghton Sirvaier and was Caried in y* affermitive 

3 it was put IQ vole whether Josiali White liaue I.*ber[ie to Record 
his Hous Loll and Interval] Lott according to y' Grant of them and also 
the Second Uevislon of Intervalll and upland where it is now Clamed ac- 
cording to IheSeverall Devision(s] to the Estate of John White hlsGrand- 
gither not enfrenging upon former Records and it was Caried la the 
aAermilive 

4 They made Choyce of Jabaz Fairbank Nalhanil Sawyer and Samuell 
Carter to be a Committy to vew a hiway proposed for by Hooker Osgood 
and a hiway up 10 wacapacit hill and a hiway to Wonksacoxet Hill and if 
they lind them nesesary for the benifit of the Town to mark them out and 
Make Report to The Propriety and also to mark out a Hiway to Whasha- 
com all Redy^ Granted of four Rods wide and make a Returne here of 
that it may be put upon Record 

5 They Granted Jonas Houghton S'' Six or Seaven acres of Land 
upon the top of the Southermost Vans Hill for to Sattlsfie him for nine 
dayes work don at the bulding of a Bridge over the North River Neer Mr 
Osgoods 

6 They voted that Left John Houghton En' James Wilder and Josiah 
Wheelor to be a Committy to markout a Rode or Hiway from Marlburow 
Rode lo four mile brook and also lo moue the Hiway by Towsenda if it 
be Conveniant and also from Justice Houghtons to Wadaquadock ; and 
then ajorned the meeting to y* 18 of may next 

May y* 18"' 1720 The Proprieters being Meet att the Meeting Hous 
I Herd an acount trom a Committy sent out to vew som Hiwaies pe- 
lisoned for on the west side of the River and voted to give said Commity 
Power to mark out said wales and give the accounpl of them to the Propri' 
etrs Clark that they may be Recorded and that they also take an account 
of what, and how much said waies Takes of from perteculer mens Land 
and what they shall be alowed there for per acer in undevided Land to be 
Layed out to them as other lands in the Town The Committy being Jab- 
az Fairbank Nathanil Sawyer & Samuell Carter ; Reserveing a Saveing for 
jtgreved Persons to applye them Selves to the Propriety for Remidy Said 



lexer Wilder may be payed the Debt which he Ciameth of the Town 
if Land; Is what is ofereri to your Consideration upon your next anual 
ieting on February the sixth nex Coming 

Joseph Wilder CUrk 

meeting February the sixth 1730 31 first made Choyce of Jabaz 
Krbanks Moderator of Said Meeting 

They Granted the Request of Capt Peter Joslin Refering to a 
mWay in Quasaponacan in the Remoueal of it from the medow side to 
where it might be moor Conveniant 

3 tbey so far granted the Propozition of David Whetcomb and John 
Prescott lliat if there bounds Cannot be found they may Lay out said 
fourty acres as ncer wliere it wiis before as may be Si make a new Record 
of it ; it being Read before the proprete as other Lands 

4 Vpon the proposition of Josiah Wilder and Joseph atherton They 
made Choyce of Capt Ephriam Wilder Josiah White and Joseph Wilder 
to marke out said wales as far as to y' Town line 

5 The Proposition of Josiah Wheelor was Read but he not appeaering 
it was defered 

6 The Propozition of John Ilenit was voted & pased in the negative 

7 upon the Propoiition of Josiah While to pay Ebenezer Wilder in 
Land : Jabaz lairbank entered his desent ; and then y* Question was put 
whether the Propriety will grant Ebcnezer Wilder Seventy thre acres & a 
half of Land for Said Deljt which he Ciameth as due to his father for 
work don for the Town in fincshing a Minesters Hous ; being fourteen 
pounds fourteen shillings & threepence : and it was Caried in y" Efermitive. 
Z it was put whether he shall haue it Layed in two or in three peces ; 
and the vote Caried in the Afiermitive for two peces 

8 they Receved a Report of a Committy to wit of Left John Hough- 
ton and Josiah Wheelor viz : 

Here a blank was led tor ihc rccotd, wliicli was never set down. 

Lastly they ajorned tlie Meeting to the first Mimday in March next 
Coming and from thence to y* Eight of Said Month and from thai to llie 
Z4 of May in 1721 A Copy of what was further brought in to said meet- 
ing upon llie ajornment To the Proprietors of Lancaster These to Give 
Notice that James Kcyes and Jeremiah Holman proposs for a Convcnant 
Hiway to where they Live James Wilder for the Exchange of a small 
slip of Land for som moor Conveniant for a hiway Thomas Wilder for tlie 
^mouall of the hiway that is betwixt his hous and the hous of Thomas 
Tookers sum what neerer the River, Henry WUlard for a Hiway to the 
Flumtrecs may the 4 1721. 

Joseph Wiujer Clark of tki Propriety 



The following record is in the hand of Jonathan Hough- 
ton, son of the Town Clerk : 

Wednesday y* 22d of March 1720/21, the Town meel at j"" meeting 
House according 10 due warning given in order to choose Select men. a 
Town Clerk, & to chose Assessois if y" Town see cause, it appering that 
some persons voted in y' former meeting that were not duly Quallified lo 
vote, & also to consider & act what may be necesary to be done about 
Swine going at Large. 

1 the Town voted & Chose John Houghton Sr moderator. 

2 the Town voted to Chose five Selectmen, & accordingly Chose John 
Houghton Sr Jabez birbank Josiah White Capt Ephraim Wilder & Ensign 
James Wilder Selectmen for y year ensuing. 

3 the Town Chose John Houghton Sr Town Clerk 

4 the Town voted lo Choose Assessors, & accordingly Chose James ] 
Wilder John White & John Houghton Jun As-sessors for y" year ensuing. 

May the 24"' 1711 upon ajomment from the 8 of March Last past 

1 In answer to the Propoiition of James Wilder The Propriety Grant 
him Leberly to Record a small slip of Land which he hath already Layed 
out and Red before The Propritey which Lyelh in y* Swan Swamp upon 
the Consideration that he Lay down tlie like Quantity to Enlarge the 
Hiway that Runes through the hed of his Entervail Lott neer y" River as 
be most accomadable for the Hiway tliis was put to vole and Caried ia the 
Effermitive 

2 Vpon the Revivall of Josiah Wheelors proposition they Granted a 
Committy to vew and Lay out a Hiway lo Hog Sivamp if they think fit 
and Convenian and mak Report lo the Propriety at sum other meeting the 
Persons chosen were Cpt Ephriam Wilder John Wilder and Josiah White 

3 They also voted that y' same Committy should vew the Hiway pro- 
posed for by James Keyes and others and make Report of that likewise 

1723. The Return of one of said Hiwaies Lancaster June y* first & 
26 1722. Where as we the subscribers namely John Wilder Josiah White 
and Ephriam Wilder are a Committy to vew and Lay out a hiway from 
Jonath Moors to Hogswamp medoweswe haue bin upon the spot the dayes 
aboue dated and proseeded as followeth we began at said hog swamp 
medow and marked trees on the west side of Said way to sd moorses ; we 
Ran through the Land of Josiah Wheelor fourty Rods through the Land 
of Jonathan Moors three hundred and fourty Rods and through the Land 
of Jabaz fairbanks one hundred Rods and in the Land of John moors tMo 
Rods the other part of said Hiway Lyeth in Common Land the Committy 
JoBN Wilder Josiah White Ephriam Wilder said ways was Exsept 
to be three Rods wide Exsept where it Cross y* medow of Jabez fairbank 



4 




MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1715. 



199 



A COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION FOR THE MEETING 1721/32 

These May Serui' to Qotifie the Proprietors of Lancaster that Capl 
Samuel Willard propounds for a hiway to pass in to the Conlery Rode to 
Boslor) : Henry Willard propounds for a hiway Id the plumtrees so Called 
Josiah White for a Hiway to y" new Sawmill upon the North River Gam- 
aliel Bcman for a hiway straight to where he now Lives Last by Justice 
HoQghtan Requested that he may haue som alowancc made him for the 
second devision of Entervail of Danil Gains if he cannot haue it where it 
was Granted him by the Town aboue the Red Spring up the North River ; 
is what is 10 be layed before you at your meeting February the 5 1721 /22. 

January the ig"" 1721/22 Joseph Wilder Clerk 

Februar)- the 5"' 1721/22 att a meeting of the Proprietors att y' meet- 
ing Hous first Made Choyce of James Wilder Moderator for Said Meeting 

2 In answer to the Propoiition of Capt Samuell Willard The Propriety 
made Choyce of a Commilly to vew said way and se where it may be most 
accomodable to Serve the publick and make Report to the proprietey in 
order 10 haue it alowed and then made Choyce of Hooker Osgood Eben- 
e*er Wilder S Jonathan Houghton to be the Commilty. 

3 In answer to the propozition of Henry Willard they voted that 
Capt Wilder Josiah White and Jose|)h Wilder be a Conimitty to vew sd 
way and make Report to the propriety 

4 they voted to chmeaCommitty to vew the Hiway propounded for by 
Josiah While and make Report to the propriety Sl then Made Choyce 
of Jabai Fairbank Capt Peter Joslin &. Capt Ephriam Wilder to be the 
Committy : 

5 Jeremiah Wilson personally appeered before the Propriety and de- 
clared that he freely delivered up to the Town or propriety a Small Slip of 
Land Round y' west Corner of a dich Called Broad Medow Dich between 
that and the fut of broad medow Hill so much as may be accomodable for 
a hiway in that place 

6 Refering to the Request of John Houghton Esq ; they made Choyce 
of James Wilder Jonas Houghton Ju & Ebenezer Wilder to niesuer the 
Eniervaill Lot of Danill Gaines down Penecuck River to see if it be not 
aJredy Layed out neer that towlt his Second Uevision of IntervaiU and 
make Report to the Propriety, & Then they ajorned the Meeting to the 5 
day of march next Coming to three of the Clock in the after noone ; 

Joseph Wilder CUrk 

March y fifth the propriety meet and adjomed to the twenteth of 
Said March. March y" twenteth 1722 The propriety being meet first 
Granted to Capt Samuell Will.ird a Hiway that Run through a part of 
Broad Medow for and in Consideration of a pece of Land Given up to 
y* Town by Jeremiah Wilson to be a hiway in Lew there of Round -f Cor- 
ner of y* sd Broad Medow betwixt that and the hill 



200 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



a Thev EiLsepied the ReturDes of Severall Hiwaies of the Coinniitl];^ 
appointed to vew and Lay Ibetii out lo wit of the Contery Rode to Grotoa 
brought in by Cpl Wilder Josiah White and Joseph Wilder as foUoweth 
February y* 9 1721/32 Then pressed on sd Service first begaoat y* north 
line of Lancaster Township and marked a small white oke tree, and from 
thence to a while oke neer y* Corner of Selh Walkers Land from thence 
to a stump by the side of sd Walkers fence from thence to y* Corner 
of Walkers northermosl Lolt from thence lo y" Corner of Samiicll 
Rogetses Land & so along upon y' hed of that Loll to y" Corner of 
y* Land of Henry Willard to a Chesnul tree from thence lo a Red oke 
neer y* brow of y* hill and so lo a Walnut in the Riseing of y Hill 
and from thence to a black oke at y' bottom of Said Hill from thence 
to a Rock a gainst Henry Willards barn and so bareing y* brelh of 
five Rods to y' Eastward of all y' afore sd marks and so bateing the 
same wedih though betwiit y" Walls of Josiab WilLird as marked 
out and so along upon y* beds of the Lots of Hezakiab an Joseph 
Witlard baring y' bredth of five Rods to y' est from there fences as they 
now stand till ill Corns 10 y' Corner of Joseph Willards Loti from thence 
made an angle Runing 10 a small While oke bush standing in Joseph 
Willards hedge from iheuce to a white oke tree from that to a heep of 
Stons upon Hciakiah Willards Land makeing an angle Runing a Cross 
the Loll of Jonathan Willard from a heep of Stons to a small black oke 
from thence to y" Corner of Cpt Willards wall sd way Lying live Rods 
wide to the East ward or Sow esl of all y aforesd marks & so through 
bclwix y" wall of Capt Samuel Willard and John Willard bareing y* same 
wedlh to y* South Easl Comer of Capt Willard wall & then with a 
straight line to a small white oke marked al a Rock where y former Com- 
iDiliy Left marking the way Lying to the Sow east of sd line and also 
marked a Rode from sd Rode down the north side of Jonathan WUIard 
lott to j' hed of y" loll of Joseph alherton of three Rods Wide sd Rcium 
was Ensepled by a vole Exscpting at Capting Willards at his Request it 
was alowed to gndown ner his hous he promasing to Leve the hiway Ihce 
Wider by Consederable then five Rods 

Joseph Wilder Cleri 



The to»d hat (katribtd is 



In ilie iDwn of Han'aid. 



3 of a biway lo y* mill up y* North River whid) was as fbOoweih. 
LancasKr February the 14 i73</2 Whereas We namely Peter Jodin 
jabax birbank & Ephrtam Wilder are appointed a Commitiy to Lay out » 
hiway to David Whetcombs Land upon the North Riven We haue bin 
upon y* Spot and haue Laj-cd out a hiway from the Hiway that Goeth to 
Bcnits turn a Cross to Whetcombs Land and haue marked the trees Upon 
y* north side of said way y* way Lying through Latauccs Land *-*^^'"g 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725- 



from him one acre of Land sd way for y* moat part being two Rods Wide 
but where it Joyns lo Whetcoms Land il is five Rods Wide. 

Joseph Wiluer C/eri 

The terminus of this road was al the site lately occupied 
by the American Shoeshank Company's factory. Here 
the Whitcomb family had a mill for many years. 

3 a hiway pelislioned for by Capt WiMard a Report there of was made 
by Hooker Osgood Ebeneier Wilder and Jonathan Houghloo who in- 
formed the propriety that they judged the sd way Should goo by David 
Whelcombs & so in to the bay Rode & that it should leve GroatOQ Kode 
al y" South side of Joseph Hutchinses lott and to l^un along by y' sd 
Hutchinses lott till it Came over )'" brook at Round medow Joseph Hutch- 
ins allso appeercd and offered y" Propriety to Give so much Land as would 
be nesesary for y" Hiway in that place according to y' Report of y* Com- 
milty; but at y" Re[(3iiest] of Thomas Houghton the way was Granted 
by his door & was to l<ye South of his hous so far as that y* north side 
of y' way should be thre Rods from his door and said way was Exsepted 
and Confermed to be three Rods Wide exsept where it pases through y' 
Land of Jacob & Henry Houghton and there to be but two Rods Said 
Committy Reports that they began to marke at y* Land of Thomas 
Houghton and ran through it by his hous sixty seven Kuds & a half and 
through Ephriam Houghions Laud sixty four Rods & through Edward 
Houghtons Land 100 Rods and through James athertons Land fourly 
six Rods and through Jacob Houghtons l^nd fourty five Rods and throu 
the Land of Jacob Houghton & Henjamin Athertons Land nlnty eight 
Rods and ilien it Ran upon Common Land till it Croses the Rude that 
pases lo barehill February y' 25 we began at barehill Rode and went 
through y' Land of Jacob Houghton Seventy Rods and through y" Land of 
Henry Houghton by his hous eighty two Rods and llien we Ran in Com- 
mon till we Come to the L.and of Hczakiah Whitcombes in his Land we 
Ran on hundred and twelve Rods through the Land of David Whitcombs 
twenty Eight Rods and then we ran in Common Land and in Land of 
David Whitcomb & y" Hairs of John Whitcomb Deccsed In which there 
was atowance made for a hiway in y' Laying out of said Land : and then 
we Ran through a small Corner of y' Land of Nathanil HapGood in to y* 
Bay Rode, then we began at the Bay Rode neer Joseph Sawyers and 
marked a hiway a Cross to y* afore sd Rode and it Corns in to y" aboue 
said Rodeaboughl eighteen Rods firom David Whiicombs barn and y*said 
David whetcomb is satisfied for y' Damage it doth to him if he may haue 
the old Rode which "was formerly Layd out behind his feeld all which was 
Confermed by a vole, sd Report was Signed HoOKER Osgood Eben- 
EZBR Wilder Jonathan Houghton 

Entered upon Record by Joseph Wilder C/k 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



note that y* Hiway through David Whetcomba Land is to be but two 
Kods wide— then the meetin was ajorncd to y* third Wednsday in May 



The next record was written by Jonathan Houghton, son 
of the Town Clerk. 

March y' 5"? I72r /2, the freeholders & other Inhabitaiils of Lancaster 
Duly Quallified, meet logelher it being iheir anuall meeting for Chuice of 
Town officers &c: 

1. The Town Chose Capi Ephraini Wilder moderator for said meci- 
ing. 

2. The Town Chose William Sawyer Grand Juror for y' year ensuing, 
then y* Selectmen gaue y' Town an account of what they had done as to 
Reconing with Mr Prentice, & then examined who were voters in choice 
of Town officers. 

3. The Town Chose five Selectmen namely John Houghton Sr Capt 
Ephraim Wilder Jabez ffairbank Josiah White & James Wilder. 

4. The Town Chose John Houghton Town Clerk for y" year ensuing 

5. The Town Chose thre Constabels namely John Johnson Uezelcel 
Sawyer & John Willard. 

6. The Town Chose Henry Willard & Joseph Stone Tything men. 

7. The Town Chose Samuel Rogers Sr Joseph A therlou William Divol 
Nathaniel Wilder & James Snow Servairs of Highways. 

S. The Town Chose James Wilder Town Treasurer. 

9. The Town Chose James Alherton & Amos Sawyer fence vewers. 

10. The Town Chose John Prescott Benjamin Wilson Daniel Hough- 
ton and Ebenezer Harries Hawy^rds 

11. The Town Chose Thomas Carter Sealler of Leather, 



The following memorandum from an old account book 
of the first Judge Joseph Wilder, lately presented to the 
public library by Benjamin F. Wyman. gives the name of 
the Grammar School teacher in Lancaster 1721-22, and 
the money value at which his services for the year were 
estimated. 

Delivered and payed to Mr Edward Broughton March y 14 1721 /sz for 
Keeping Scool six pounds liue shillings. 

Moore In August y sum of fiue shillings by Ebene;er Wilder const, O., S--o 
on a note answered by Josiah Willard 3.. 18. .6 

on a note to Mr dickenson o.. 3. .6 

on a note to Be^aleel Sawyer o. 5.8 



MASSACHUSETTS, 1643- 172;. 



203 



a note to Elias Sawyer 0.8.0 

Upon two RecepLi to Jonas Houghton Constable 3.0.6 

Reconed with Mr Edward Broiighton October y" as"" 1722 
Remains Dew lo y' said Mr Broughlon 7—6 — 10 for his years Scooljng. 






iliillings tor llie year's salary. 



May the sixteenth 1723 the propriety Iwing meet in answer to the Pro- 
posilon of S^imuel Warner it was voted that a Committy be Chosen to 
vcw the hiway propounded for and if they shall think it needfull To Lay 
out a Hiway betwix the Land of Jonas Houghton and Jonathan Sawyer 
as they shall think meet and make Report to y* next meeting in order lo 
its being cxsepted 

2 they voted that the same Committy vew what Damage is don to 
aboue said Land of Jonas Houghton that was hutsons by a hlway Laid to 
Barchill medows and how much of y* ajasani Land out to be alowcd for a 
Recompence the Commitly Chosen was Jabaz Fairbank Capt Samuell 
Willard 5: Jacob Houghton 

3 they then Granted Elias Sawyer five acres of L.and upon a brook 
Called Kerlys Brook for lo make up the Conveniancy of Henry Kerly & 
William 

4 The Return of a Committy apointed to meaure the Lot of Danil 
Gains we y Subscribers mcsured the Lott of Danil Gains or thai which 
was soposed to be it and tind betwixt sum mark trees and Snows Enter- 
vaill Lott and betwixt the Little piece and sum Entervaili Land of Eben- 
ezer Wilder and lind it to be about sixteen acres. 

James Wilder \ 

Ebenezer Wilder \ Committy 
Jonas Houghto.n Ju ) 
An account of a hiway Laid out from y" Town tine beyond Wacapacit 
and went through the Land of Hooker Osgood on hundred and fifty Rods 
and through the Land of Justice Houghton fifty Rods and then through 
Hooker Osgoods land ninty four Rods and then through the Land of Sam- 
uell Carter one hundred Rods. jABAz fairbank Natiianil Sawyer 
SamueLi. Carter Committy this Return was Exsepled and said Hiway 
Confermed ; and an aquevelant Granled lo the Persons aboue named to 
wit to Hooker Osgood two acres for one to Justice Houghton deto to 
SiUnuell Carter an acre and half in lew of one. 



This is the re 






'ickapekel Brook at Iht Phelps Mill. 



February y" 2* 1721 Laid out another hiway we began at the end of a 
hiway that Goeth up between the Lots of Nathanil Wilder and Oliver 
Wilder and Ran through Nathanil Wilders Land fifty four Rods and 
through the I-.and of Oliver Wilder eighty eight Rods and through Jona- 
than Wilders Land twenty six Rods and through Nathanil Hapgoods Land 



X ■■ A - 



XxiCB inn :ir i i i rr Zranil 5 .123= l^zc ins- 



'.uia i'miai't ian 1*7 I-iui nir : :n -=s 3.jcs ttuc i»' Jl*iAZ failuuck 
iiii^ LfaiT^a inn >.«.-^.fc-»Z- r.x v _iJ. 1 linmnirr . lie Aibooe 

3 Tiarg*?T lui. 











iv <5dt: 



■nir.- ixut iia ■nmi "ne ~jti: :f ":rr.;"T^rL 'ti'i^zr szzj lar-* 5w:*5 &ad 
ii^r-L hut. ~ ±3sz I t~ii.t vs. Nirxjijc ^* 



laii'-is: :f Iszn "^Iiiifsr M:cis:iiL:r sni: ruta r»sc3-rrs£ 

"^u^lliT^ Liii *.-:::•: r-ii*i r:^t lie L'vn' J^rzhrccccn J*r : " fh&ziiJiZ Wirzer 
5»:c!a T¥: J^nii "^xjc vxjlji ?-i:i:r: vis J:ii.Timec ;ti: aoiti iciT Grxzirfi 



imr fnni-; -v:;!::: v:i.e5' v-i> Z-i^^i-c-^ uu. J^i^uTr^ i: :e rrr^ir* Rxis in 



^*-in u^Sit^.r Y-ztiTt z -.-:s*f< ire ttco: v r \ u-ii r-L^:.Lit> .1 izc ii«re 
1: :e III" zhk. 5^:1! i-iii I :^r ::.s*: .-c 1 : v.i "irim^i: H^i't'j-s jluc 
"STiiiii^'-s. wi Mil ij. :j x«: i^i.iiii ■.i:-:cic-: i:e 1-l::c re _':5fiii Wbeelor 

nrruit ne ' jtii :f ':.:.; "**_■.!-- ,— : :_:i;riri i-ic rw***- "i S.rc5 :hrc*c^h 
Ji3ies riners liiii rv: .v:oi :r.-:ii^: ire ~.:7li :r '::?«••:«*: SjL"»7«r oa 
TnTiTS'i iTi: irr- 3.«:r ?!.:»::> 5ki.'i »i r,- :«: i:.*:?* x-C:? "W'.oe Siic wa%- 

CxtJt.~ Si^-s ii ■' rr.cii : "A :.-::»; v :>:l"-: r.- r.sac> lie 'rr:oi whtre it 
-- i.Ti: riecL t.* J.iz ^»: ¥i :re :r,xii lerir ue s;-c rcci iZ :: Cocns 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



205 



3 The propriety made alowances to the Several! persons about said 
for what damage they had Recevd by said way as followeih to Jabaz Fair- 
baohs at y' Law or proportion of two acres and a half in the Lew of one, 
to John Wilder two acres for one, to James Wilder one acre and half for 
one, to Joseph Sawyer acres for acre, then the meeting was ajorned to y* 
iS of sd February. 

A COPY OF NOTlFrcATlON FEHRUARY Y' 4 1722/3 

These may nolific the propriety of Lancaster that Jonath moor Re- 
quests that the Conlery Rode or Hiway from Marlburough may Run by 
his door in to Hog swampl Rode. 2 Heiakiah Whetcomb for a hiway 
to the hay Rode from the hiway propounded for by Capt Willard Sev- 
erall persons for alowance for damage for hiwaies Jos Wilds and Richard 
Wilds that the Last halfe of y" 4 devision may he Granted 

Febrewary the iS'*' 1722/3 the Propriety being Meet first they Granted 
the propoiition of Jonathan Moor to wit that y' Contery Rode to Marl- 
burrotigh be Remoued from the north side of his orchard and to pass 
through betwixt his hous and his new Barn to y' hiway lliat goeth to hog 
swamp and to be five Rods wide. 

a they voted upon the proposition of Hezakiah Whelcomb that y* 
Committy apijointed to vew the hiway proposed by Capt Willard to wit 
Mr Osgood Ebenezer Wilder and Jonathan Houghton vew )■■ same and 
make Report to y" propriety when they Report Conseming the other 

3 ihey Granted to James Wilder three acres in Lew of on for what 
was taken of off his Land by a hiwaj to wacapacet : to Joseph Wilder & 
Edmund harris four acres in Lew of one and so proporsonablely 

4 they voted that Mr Osgood &c mark out the hiway ask[ed] for by 
Capt Willard and take an account of what it takes from every man that it 
Runs through iiis Land and make Report to y* next meeting 

5 upon the proposition of Richard Wilds they voted thai it be defered 
till J" next meeting and then the meeting was ajorned lo thai day month 



A COPY OF THE NOTIFIECATION TO V" PROPRIETIE OF 
LANCASTER 
these may serue lo nolifie you that Josiah Wheelock desiers that the 
hiwav [through] his Land to pine hill may be Remoued further north and 
thai ii may be but two Rods wide William Sawver Desiers alowance for a 
hiway that goetli through his Land Jonas Houghton that James Keyes 
may be appointed lo Lay out Land in y" old Township it is also desiered 
that all persons who hauc bin damnified by hiwaies going through there 
Land would bering in there accounts in order lo there being alowed 






.frT^ 



208 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

to y* Selectmen for making Rates in 1723 towit to Joseph Wilder 1-4-6 

Josiah White 10-2 

John White 9-0 

Samuell Carter 10 - o 

Ebenezer Wilder 12-4 

to Nathan Hawood for two wind frames for y* meeting hous 3 - o 
to Edward Hartwill for to make up what his province List was 

Les than his warrant 15-0 
to the Committy for y* bridge 30j^- 0-0 

to John Prescot for plank 14-6 

loi - ro-6 



j^2 - 5 - 3 



Lancaster february i8**» 1723/4 then Rekoned with Deacon Joseph 
Wilder Mr Samuell Carter : Mr Josiah White & Mr Ebenezer Wilder ; 
Selectmen for the Town of Lancaster : & the Subscriber hath Received 
the wholl of his Sallery till July ist 1723. John Prentice 

Sd Receipt entered as above being a true Copy May the I2*>» 1724. 

p John Houghton Town CUrk 

Lancaster March 2 1723/4 The Inhabitants of sd Lancaster met at 
y* Meeting House in sd Towne according to appointment & notice Given 
to be the Publick Anniversary Meeting for Choyce of Town officers &c : 

1 & first Chose Jonathan Moore Moderator for s^ Meeting : & then 
the Selectmen Gave Some account of what they had Done as to making 
of Rates : & particularly Had Reconed with Mr Prentice who is Cleercd 
till y" first of July 1723 as by his Receipt as above entered 

2 & next voted that the Late Select men do Give in a faire account of 
theire Proceedings in the Towns affaires the Last yeare unto y* Next 
Selectmen that may be Chosen to Succeed as Selectmen in sd Town 

3 next voted to Choose 5 Selectmen & accordingly Chose Joseph Wil- 
der; Josiah White; Jonathan Houghton; ebenezer Wilder & Samuell 
Carter Selectmen to serve for the year ensuing 

The above record, left incomplete, is in the hand of John 
Houghton, as also is the next. 

1724. Munday y« 1 1*** of May 1724 The free Holders &c: of y* Town 
of Lancaster met at y* Meetinghouse in sd Town In order to Choose a 
Representative according to Due warning Given, & after the Reading of 
the Precept & y* Laws Relating to sd affaire, votes were called for & Givep 
in & then John Houghton Sen*" was Chosen Representative for sd Town of 
Lancaster: to serve at y** Generall Court according as specified in sd 
Precept. 



fix : A 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



209 



August 1734. The Selectmen of Lancaster are allowed to enter their 
caution against Robert Darby, Moses Chaodler & his wife with three child- 
ren, Barnnrd Twoells, Sarah Hubbard and Mary West being Inhabitants, 
they having been warned to depart the said Tuwn as pr their caution on 



Ale. 



[Middlesex Court Records.] 



A COPY OF Y' NOTIFICATION FOR Y' MF.ETING FEBRUARY 
Y'j'' 1723/4 
ihe warning being Taken away there Remains only a breef account of 
the things propounded for to wit Thomas Wilder propounded for a hiway 
from the Road by his lious to y Hous that was Robert Houghtons ju 
decesed John Warner for a hiway from Caleb Sawyers to his Hous Jon- 
athan Whitney and Jonathan Crouch for a hiway from where they Live to 
y* Hous of Danil Preest Decesed John Darbey for Som alowance for a 
hiway Taken Through y° Land he purchassed of John Willard. Josiah 
Witlard also mosoned that Sum alowance be made him and Joseph Alher- 
ton for damage by a hiway into y° plumtrees 

Lancaster February the 3'' 1723/4 the propriety meet and first made 
Choyce of John Houghton Esq' Moderator for Said meeting and then 
Granted a Committy for to vew two liiwayes propounded for, to wit one 
by John Warner and the other !iy Jonathan Whitney &c. and to mark out 
the same if ihey think them needfull and to Report to y' propriety the 
place of there Lying and also y' Quantity of Land they Take from any 
Land Ihey may Run through and Likewise y" Quatlity thereof 

2 They made Choyce of Jacob Houghton Caleb Sawyer & Jonas 
Houghton to be y* Committy 

3 ihey voted that y Same Committy vew what Damage John Darbey 
Sustaned by a hiway that is Laid through y Land he purchassed of John 
Willard & what lie ought to be alowed therefor and also what Josiah 
Willard and Joseph Alherton ought to be alowed for the hiway Crossin 
their Entervaill in to y plumlreea 

4 they made Choyce of James Wilder Jonathan Houghton & Eben- 
eier Wilder to be a Committy to vew the hiway propounded for by Thomas 
Wilder and to marke out y' same & lo Report to the propriety there 
Doings there in: and then the meeting was ajorned to y third wednsday 
of may next to eight of y Clock 

Lancaster May y' 20 1724 upon y ajornment from February the 3'' 
and first Receved a return of a Committy which was as followeth : We 
the Subscribers l>eing appointed aCommilley to mark out a hiway lo where 
Robert Houghton Jr did formerly live we began to mark out the way at 
ihe turn of the old way beyend Thomas Wjlders hous and marked along 
till we Came to Sum Land of Thomas Tookers where we Took a slip of the 
14 



Ihey Granted a Committey to wll Joseph Sawyer James Keyes & 
I [Town]sentl to vew the Hiwaies propounded for by Samuell 
.... [leaf torn] 
(tly they Granted j" Request of Jonas Houghton in Remoual of a 
which Goelh to barehill Mcdows where il Runeth through the Land 
thai was Danil Hutsons that it might Run along upon the South Edge of 
it by the Land of Joseph Fairbank 

Ai a meeting of the [proprietors] February the i"' 1724/5 firat made 
Choyce of John Houghton Esquier for a Moderator then Receved sum 
Reports of Commitlyes formerly Chosen Refering to Sum Hiwaies they 
are as followeth January y* 39"' 1724/5 Wee the Subscribers being 
Choosen a Committey by the propriety of Lancaster to vew a hiway petis- 
tloned for by Benjamin Houghton upon the Day aboue said we went and 
vewfd the Same and have marlied it out viz through the I^and of Ebcnezer 
Wilder thirty Rods then througli the Land of Jabaz Fairbank ivreaty nine 
Rods then a Long in the Land of Jabai Fairbank & Thomas Sawyer to 
Run along half upon Each thirty four Rods and then wholly in the Land 
of Said Sawyer Twenty Eight Rods and then in said Fairbanks Land 
twelve Rods. Benjamin Beu.ows Thomas Tookcr Jonas Houghton 
Commilty This Report wa.s exsepted and the hiway Confermed accord- 
ingly by the propriety by a vote in said meeting 

January y" 18"' 1724/5 Marked out a hiway for the Conveniance of 
Samuell Rugg to Com to the Contery Road and it began at a white oak 
about ten Rods from the norwest angle of his Land which was Laid out 
for his Father on the northerly side and Runs northerly a Cross the Land 
of Jonathan Moors Seventy one Rods then it Run a Cross sum of the 
Land of John Moor twenty six Rods and Corns In to the bay Road at the 
edge of the plain neer a little Brook where the way has bin diged East- 
erly from the pond brook Called west pond brook James Keves Joseph 
Sawyer Co/a/nrt/y this hiway was Confermed by avote, and then (he meet- 
ing was ajorned to the first Monday in March next 

March y' i the propriety being meet ajorned y' meeting to y' 3 monday 
in May nex to ten of y* Clock 

It has been usual to state that Josiah Flagg, whose excel- 
lent penmanship adoma the town books for thirty-four years, 
between 1800 and 1836, was without a rival in the length 
of his service as clerk for Lancaster. But the signature 
of John Houghton, later known as Justice Houghton, who 
succeeded Cyprian Steevens as clerk of the writs, is found 
attached to records of lands, petitions to the court, and 




( 




_ **■ 



\ : _ 



I ^ _ 






i 




MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



\ 



Post for Monday, February 14, 1737, thus briefly records 
bis death : 

Lancaster, February 8^ 1736-7. 
On the 3'' [D^taDt died here (after a few Day's tadis position) yoAa 
/JeugAloH, Esq 7 !□ the 87* Year of his Age. He wasaseosible, religious, 
peaceable and useful Man. He was serviceable (in several Capacities) for 
Duiny Years among us. A constaai and devout attender on all the Ordi- 
nances and Worship of God in his House. Tho' his Eyes were dim some 
Years before his Death, yet his Bodily Strength and Intellectual Powers 
remained with him to an uncommon Degree. He hath lefl behind him a 
sorrowful Widow in the 84"'. Year of her Age, under bodily Ulindness, and 
who hath been conhned to her Bed for more than three Years past : Also 
a numerous Offspring. There are now living of his Children 7, of his 
Graodchildien $4, and of his Great Grand Children 73. in all 134. 

Joseph Wilder, son of the second Thomas Wilder, born 
in 1683, was proprietors' clerk for forty years, from 1716 
to '757. and perhaps during some years previous, the rec- 
ords of which are missing. He also became town clerk 
in 1737, continuing in that office seven years. These 
olFices he held by common consent, in spite of the fact 
that his penmanship is execrable, and almost illegible in 
the late years of his life, when he wrote with a palsied 
hand. He was deacon in the Lancaster church for forty- 
two years, and representative to general court in 1720, 
1725 and 1736. Upon the organization o{ Worcester 
County in 1731, he was appointed judge and held the 
ofGce of chief justice at his death. He was, however, 
very illiterate, excelling all his clerical predecessors and 
rivalling the most untaught of his successors, in the per- 
versity of his spelling. Had his decisions as a judge been 
as versatile and independent of precedent, as was his 
orthography, trials before him would have had all the 
exciting uncertainty of the modern horse race. In punct- 
uation he displayed greater consistency, ignoring it alto- 
gether, nor deigning like the eccentric pamphleteer of the 
next generation, to add to his work any postscript supply 
of points for eclectic distribution. He also bears, justly 



214 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 

or unjustly, the ill name of having by his narrow minded 
opposition, prevented the locating in Lancaster of the 
county offices, this then being the foremost town in the 
new county. He is charged with having in his blind con- 
servatism, presaged woes unnumbered to the rural paradise 
about him, should it become habituated to tlie society of 
lawyers and litigants. 

There must have been great native force in him, as well 
as discretion and tact. Rev. Timothy Harrington in a 
sermon preserved in raanuscripl, headed Post Funcra 
Hon- Viri y. Wilder armigcri, portrays his character in 
these flattering colors : 

God furoished him with a penetraling Judgment, strong Reason, and 
a teiUicious Memory, and all, so far as we can judge, were consecrated to 
y< HoDOur of y° most high, God was pleased lo advance him to numer- 
ous seats of trust and Im[portance3 in y' Town County and Province, 
which he titled with Inlegrity and Honour. In his domestic character, a 
kind and faithful Husband a tender and In.structive and Exemplary Parent, 

a pleasant chwrfui and Christian, a fKend lo Truth and Virtue, A 

lover of God, man and his country, and a Benefactor to y poor and y" 
Distressed. This, This is be whom God hath taken from us. 

He died March 29, 1757, aged 74. His wife, who out- 
lived him, was Lucy, sister of Reverend Andrew Gard- 
ner. One son. Colonel Caleb, followed him as clerk of 
the proprietors, and another. Colonel Joseph, succeeded 
him in the offices of town clerk, deacon and Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas. 




LOVEWELL'S WAR. 

I 722 -I 726. 



MILITARY CORRESPONDENCE, JOURNALS 
AND MUSTER ROLLS. 

In the Muster Rull of Sergeant Thomas Biickmtnster of 
Framingham, are the names of -four Lancaster men, 
engaged during July and August, 1722, in some service 
I not specified : 

I Henry Houghton. 
I John Wilder, 



[ week, 6 days, John Beeman, 4 weeks, 5 days. 
4 weeks, 5 days, Richard Wild. 



[Mus: 



1,3=-] 



In the Muster Roll of Sergeant Samuel Wright, serving 
I from October 25th to November 25th, 1822, is found the 
ne of Simon Stevens of Lancaster. 

[MasMchusctls Artliives, xi;i, 71,] 

I r733. Boston Nov 20 1723. 

Sir. I red your Lett' this morning of the fS"" instant & haue 
L en([uired' al the Secry Office concerning the orders to Coll. Tyng 5; find 
I by a great Negluct they were misplaced & never sent forward. Now you 
I acquainting me that you can enlist very good Men to compleat the Num- 
I ber for yo' Command, Thi^e are to direct you forthwith to do it & return 
] me their Names ; 1 doubt not but you will keep them to their Duly Si lake 
E.aU Occasions if possible to perform some Signal Service. 



To Lt, Jabez Fairhank. 



Yo" 



[Massachusetts Archive: 



W OUUHEK 
.■38.] 



Lancaster December y 2"' 1723 
May it plese your Hon'' 1 have in observance of your Hon" order In- 
' listed Itfteeii able bodycil men fit for service ib haue sent the List of them 
herewith to your Hon' with y' List of those tnat ware in y" service before 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



and haue put them on duity: we haue made no decovery of y Inemy as 
yet : the barer is one that is in the senice & b Capable if your Hon' 
Seas Case to demand ; to give a (iill accouat of our managemeot your 

Humble 
[Sufifrseriietil Servant Jabez Fairbank 

To y Hon'' William Dumer Esq Left Governer S; for His Majesties 
service, by Mr Edward Harlwell. 

A List of the Names of y Soldiers 6rst enlisted in Lancaster Groaten 
& Dunst^le. 

Edv/ard Hartwill 
Aaron WiHard 
Benjami* Osgood 
BenjimuH Houghton Juh 
JoMh BamU 
SammtU Sauytr 
Jooathan Shipley 
Joseph Blood 



The names of those Last ir 
yetefA BLuKkard 
Epkriam WketUr 
Da%nd Osgood 
Joseph U'haloci 
Esra Sawytr 
BtnjamiH Harris 
Phineas Parker 
DaridSatell 

IMamadimelts Archtvci, t: 



James Shattuck 
Samuell Scripter 
John Stephens 
William Larrance 
Jabai Uavice 
Thomas Chambertin 
Ephriam Chandler 
Benjamin Nichotds 
John Barrit 

Isaac Woods 
Jacob Lakin 
Thomas Lund 
Isaac Farweil 
Ebenezer Cumins 
John Usher 
Jonathan Combs 

Lancaster December the a* 1723 
JABEZ Faikbanks 
1. 1*4. MS-] 



Lancaster, April 28 1724 
J/xf a fteast f«ir Hohout. 

St. I have attended your order referring to the Placing of the men 
at each Town, and have also Sent your Honour the Journalls of all the 
long Scoots. The Scouts going from three Particular Towns, I am not 
able to give your Honour so particular an account of Every Uaj's march 
as Possibly your Honour may cipect. 1 endeavour to Improve the men 
Constandy to the most advantage according to the Best of my Judgment. 
If your Honour Please. 1 would now and then Send out A Scout at Con- 
sidenble Distance from the Towns, and I think it would be very agreable 
10 the minds of the People so to do. 1 stand ready lo attend your HoD- 
0UI9 Orders & am your Hooouis Most Obedient Servasit. 

Jabe^ Fairbamk. 
I Anhivcs. sxxviu. A. 65.] 



^M«*^ 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1715. 



Groton May 38, 1734. 
Miiy it phase ymir Honour. 

I have Posted ihe men Cominilled 10 my care at the Towns of Lan- 
caster Grolon Dunstable it Turkey Hill according to your Honours 
Orders ; and Improve them io the best manner I can for the protection of 
the People & Discovery of the Encniy and 1 think to General Satisfaction. 
) have ordered one man lo Mr. Frescotts Garrison During his attendance 
on the Court. I beg Leave further to acquaint your Honour that Y P^^o* 
pie in these Towns ap|)i'ehend themselves in Great Danger, and cannot 
(in my humble opinion) be in any measure safe with so small a number of 
men. 1 am your Honours 

Humble & most obedient Servt. 

JABEZ Fairiiank 
(Mossachusetis Archives, L\xi[, 176.] 



Lancaster, July 1" 1724. 
A}ay it please your Honour. 

I recieved your Letter Ihe Last night in the evening, and not before 
iho 1 suppose i might have had it sooner had the bearer pleased, Your 
Honour is pleased in your Letter to give me my choice of A Lieutenants 
Post in Groton or Turkey Hills or A Serjeants at Lancaster. I am sensi- 
ble that Serjeants Pay in Town would be as Profitable as to keep con- 
stantly abroad, but yet upon Some Considerations I choose to Abide in 
the Post 1 am, and to go lo Grolon. 1 return my thanks to your Honour 
for the choice you have given me. I would Inform your Honour that on 
Monday Last I sent A Scout to Rutland who Returned yesterday and gave 
me an Account that In the way they discovered the tracks of four or live 
Indians bearing towards Woclioosett whom they Judged had been gone 2 
or 3 days. Yesterday Part of Grolon men &, Part of this Town went out 
for the week to range above the Towns to see what Discovery they could 
make, and I am myself this Day going out with what men I can Raise to 
see what I can discover. I desire the favour of your Honour, That the 
souldiers now under my Command in Lancaster and Groton might have 
the Liberty of abiding with me or of being Uismist. If it be your Hon- 
ours Pleasure to let Edward Hartwelt who hath been a Serjeant under me 
Abide still in that Post in this town I should take it as a favour. I stand 
ready to attend your Honours Orders & Commands and am S: 
Your Humble Servant 

Jajiez Fairiiank 



[Massachusetts Arcl 



I. 9-] 



Groton July so"? 1724. 
May it please your Honour 

I have attended your orders in posting the men at the Towns of 
Groton Lancaster & Turkey hill — precisely excejit at Turkey Hill there is 
but eleven men Capt. Stevens having not as yet sent so many as ordered 



3i8 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 

& I have Taken my post at Grolon where I Improve the souliliers ii 
best maDoer 1 can agreeable to ygur orders, & I have ordered them ti 
Lod^e in Some of y* most Exposed Garrisons as often as may be. but I i 
find it impossible to Improve So Small a Dumber of men So as to answer 1 
y' Necessities of the people here ; whose circumstances are so verry Diffi- 
cult & Distressing that I am not able fuUy to Reprcsi^nl to your Honour; 
the poor people are many of them obliged lo keep llieir own Cairisons 
and part of them Imployed as Guards while others are at their Labour 
whose whole Time would be full Uttie enough to be expended in Getting 
Bread for their families. My own Garrison at Lanc^ister is very much 
exposed & with Humble Submission I think Requires Protection as much 
as any in that Town, therefore 1 Humbly pray your Honour would be 
pleased to give me Leave to post a Souldier there Dureing my absence in 
the Service of the province. 1 beg your Honours Pardon for giving you 
this Trouble, and ask Leave to Subscribe mySelfe 

Your most Obedient Humble Serv' 

JABEi FAIK BANKS. 

[Massachuselts Archives. Lll, 16.] 



Lfieutenant Jabez Fairbank was a grandson of John 
Prescott. His father, Jonas, and two brothers, Joshua and 
Jonathan, were slain in the early Indian wars. The stone 
over his grave in the old burying ground records that he 
died in 1758. aged about 84 years ; the recorded date of 
his birth however is "8"' ii"'"' 1670." The following jour- 
nals are not in the handwriting of Fairbank, nor are they 
all by one hand. A sergeant or clerk made up the report 
of each scout lor the Lieutenant to sign, and hence tlie 
diversity in expression and spelling. The names of local- 
ities mentioned are of interest. Journals of tlie scouts by 
Lancaster soldiers only are here transcribed. Those from 
Dunstable and Groton were similar and equally numerous. 

Lancaster December the 6"" 1723. 

A Journal of y* Scouies sent out By Liue' Jabez larbank first to quaso- 
ponican and to assoatelick hill and round the turkey Hills and another 
Scout up Wecapickit and lo Wickapimsee and to Beehill and to the parke 
another scout sentc to washacom pond and 10 stiUwater and to Rutland 
and then lo Lancaster again 

January the 6"" 173^ &c 




MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 219 



PAoother Seoul seate up Noshawa riuer to y* role stone Hill and to the 
frachuseis Hills and to nitland and to Shrubury and on the carts {xtirts} 
pf Wosscster. 

another Scoute sente throu ihe woods to rutland and from thence to 
f Brookfield and then return'' 

another Scoute sentc ihrou the woods to groton and from thence to the 
Turkey Hills &c. 

February 3? 172^. another Scoute sent to wanomihouck ponds &c 
called 30 miles from Lancaster and from thence to wachusets hills and 
from thence to Ocsechoxit hills & washacom ponds and then hom 

another Scoute sent to Watatick hill called 20 miles from Lancaster and 
came hom By the Dimon hills 

another Scoute sente to the Turkey hill to mashapoge pond to cateconi- 
moug pond to unchecowalounk pond and came hom By Lancaster north 

another Scoute sent to rocke hills and to quiticous hills and to the red 
stone and came hom By Geoige Hill. 

March I 1734 another Scoute sente to the Turkey hills and so to rang 
the woods upon there front and to mullipurs riuer and to Squanicock riuer 
and to the Head of Sowhegon riuer and cross the woods to Lancaster. 

another sent to menousnuck hills and up the strcmes that run Into 
Nashawway riuer and then returned. 

another Scoute to mashapouge hill and penequid entervails and to 
monipnet Brook and to the (all Brook and to Harris enterval and then 
hom. 

April 1 1724. another Scoute Sent to gard the men at work at Turkey 
hills and to Scout abought them. 

another Scoute Sente up to Wachusets Brook and to rang the woods 
upon the frount of Lancaster and to gord the people at there plow working 
in the woods. Yours to sarve 

Jabez 

[Massachusetts Archives, Jtxxvill, A, 49-50.] 



Lancaster Februarys'!' 1723/4 
A Journal of a Scout of ten men sent out by Liuet Jabez fairbanks I, 
to Tiukey Hills & from thence to y* Dimon Hills and to the Head of 
Mullipurs riuer and to the Head of Squanicook river and from thence to 
the Head of Sowhegon riuer. to the Watatick Hill and then steared to 
vrards the grand wanadnock Hill, and from thence to Wanominock ponds 
and from thence to Wachusets Hills and to Oxsechoxets Hills and mostly 
to such places as the Indains are moste Likely to Hount In there coming 
to our Towns. 



*.-!» 



220 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 

Sarvice don by we the Subscribers to witt. 

Ser Edward Hartwell Ezra Sawyer 

John Bennit Isaac farnworth 

Ephraim Wheeler Isaac Lacain 

Joseph Wheelock Moses Willard 

Dauid Osgood John Eames 

Yours to command 



[Massachusetts Archives, XXXVIII, 53.] 



Jabez Fairbanke 



Lancaster, April 28, 1724 

Jurnals of the Scouts Sent out By Lift ffarbank to Wachusets and 
from thence to Rutland and then return*^ to Lancaster again to gard the 
fields. 

may 2. and another Scoute Sente to the Oxsechoxits hill and to garde 
the people abought there feilds. 

may 6 another Scoute Sente to Turkey Hills and from thence to mas- 
hapoge Hills and so down Lancaster north River and In to Lancaster to 
gard the feilds at Lancaster. 

may 10 another Scoute Sente up Nashaway River to Wachusets Ponds 
and then returned to Lancaster to garde y^ feilds. another Scoute Sente 
to rutland and hom By wachusets hill. 

may 14 another Scoute sent on the west of Lancaster Town to rang 
the front on the Back side of the feilds. 

may the 28* another scoute of five men sente up Nashaway north River 
tow on one side and tow on the other side and so up said river abought ten 
miles to a hill called Rolestone hill and from thence to Lancaster again to 
gard men at there work in their feilds 

June the first day, a Scoute wente to Wachusets ponds and from thence 
to Crow hill and from thence to Back sid of the Rocke hill and from thence 
to Rocke Hill meadow and to Chesnut hill to wickepocket. 

June the 4'** another Scoute sente to Turky hills and from thence to 
Bennits meadow and to Whites pond and to Lancaster to gard the feilds. 

Yours to Command. 

Jabez Farbank 

[Massachusetts Archives, xxxviii, A. 64.I 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 



221 



MUSTER ROLL OF THE COMPANY OF JABEZ FAIRBANKS. 

CAPTAIN, JUNE 18, 1724. 





I/incaster, 


















/ 


X 


d 


Jabez Fairbanks Lt. 




31 


weeks service 


31 





wages 


Edward Hartwell Serjt. 




31 


do do 

days 


20 


13 


4 


Aron Willard Centle 


8 


2 


4 


2 


10 


James Houghton ' 




22 


5 


II 


7 


I 


J no. Bennitt • 




14 




7 






Aron Willard 




16 


6 


8 


8 


6 


Eph- Wheeler 




20 


6 


10 


8 


6 


Isaac Farnworth * 




7 


6 


3 


18 


6 


Samuel Sawyer * 




31 




15 


10 




Ezra Sawyer * 




28 


6 


14 


8 


6 


Joseph Wheelock * 




28 


6 


14 


8 


6 


David Osgood * 




28 


6 


14 


18 


6 


Benj* Hosgood * 




31 




15 


10 




Benj* Houghton * 




31 




IS 


16 




Benj' Hams * 




28 


4 


14 


5 


8 




Grot on. 










Phinias Parker Serj* 




7 




4 


13 


4 


Jon* Shipley Sentl 




9 


I 


4 


II 


5 


Jo? Blood 




3' 




IS 


10 




Ja? Shaduch 




31 




IS 


10 




Samuel Screpter 




31 




15 


10 




W"* Lawrance 




31 




15 


10 




Josiah Bauden 




21 


6 


10 


18 


6 


Jacob Ames 




28 


6 


14 


8 


6 


Isaac Woods 


■ 


28 


6 


14 


8 


6 


Jason Williams 




28 


6 


14 


8 


6 


Nath* Lawrance 




28 


6 


14 


8 


6 


Jona Shepley serj? 




21 


6 


14 


II 


6 


Jon» Blanchard Serj? Di 


instable 


28 


6 


19 


4 


10 


Jona Butterfield Sent^« ( 


rhensford 


28 


2 


14 


2 


10 


Noah Johnson I 


loubourne 


28 


2 


14 


2 


10 


yno Barrett C 


'helnsford 


28 


2 


14 


2 


10 


Thos Chamberlin C 


iroton 


28 


2 


14 


2 


10 


Jabez Davis F 


[averhill 


28 


2 


14 


2 


10 


Benj* Nichols F 


Ledding 


28 


2 


14 


2 


10 


Eben Virgin C 


helnsford 


28 


2 


14 


2 


10 


Joseph Chamberlin 


do 


20 


6 


10 


8 


6 


Jno Wright E 


>racut 


7 


3 


3 


14 


3 



Iv » 



JhyyfjLZS jF E^ 




J « I iS 6 

S S ■■71 

■ 4 BO IS 8 

• i J 7 I 

•3 « 4 3 



. ^ . _ . _ , , _ 5i9i7 a 



iJWMt Sfl-I^ 6 




r * 1724/S- 

oftliis 

tin 

to appear 

of our 

■if*sooot; Jk several 

HobF win send 

& aost obe&nt Senr! to 

S*. We Ae aapwcribffs hawog hteiy beea l ufaf^d , tfiit by an order 
finom joQT Hocaocr. CoG Tjng faadi ofdered. Cape Josiah WQlanl of Tur- 
key HiS, to be a: Ddkscible vidi mil die men under his ooounand, in 
Gfotoo. Lancaster. & Turkey HDI: vidi fifty Dm provision ready to 
march nrom thence, die next Wednesday, most crave leav« to Infionn your 
Honour, that the men that are sent fcr from among us, are the most of 
them Inhabitants. Imployed in Scouting, those that are Inhabitants are 
frequcndy changed by Leave from your Honour, so that some that are 
Imployed are heads of Emilys. We wouhi Intrcat your Honour to Con- 
sider our Circumstances, and that the time when we may expect the enemy 
upon us. is at hand, and that we shafl be gready weakened, and erposed, 
if our men are now removed, besides the Great Damage which fiunilyswill 
sastain hereby. Moreover. A Considerable Number of our men, are but 
Just returned home, that have been out against the Enemy, with Capt 
Lovel. and we have reason to suppose that a Considerable Number of them 
will go voluntarily again with Mr White who we understand is designed to 
go out again in a short time. We would also add, that as we understand 
the point Coll T)'ng designs to march on, we cannot Imagine that we shall 
\je much guarded by him. We would therefore humbly & eamesdy Intreat 
your Honoiir that all among us under pay mlgh^ abide with us and not be 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 



233 



Removed. We would crave leave Just to Intimate to your Honour referr- 
ing lo Turkey Hill, that if all the men that are sent for; must go, the 
Emilys there wilt be in 3 manner wholly destitute of men. We return 
your Honour thanks for your Readiness to gratify our desires, and hope 
you will siill do so. Who arc. Your Honours mo.sl humhie and most 



obedient Servants. 

For ilie Honourable 

William Dummer Esq^ Lieut. Governour 
These. 

[MassachuE 



John Houghton 
i'eter joslen 
E PUR AIM Wilder 
Boston. 

IS Archive 



->■] 



March, 1724 Lt. Gov. Dummer lo Colonel FJeaser Tyng. 

Sir, I here enclose Letters I have rec' from Lancaster, Wch I have 
fully consider^, and think it proper to limit yon lo sixty men for yoUf 
march at most, and that you leave the Rest to be a Security lo y» Towns 
especially Turkey Hills which is very much exposed, & let Lancaster & 
Crolon likewise have their Proportion of men left; 1 think it proper like- 
wise to restrain the Time of your being out to forty Days which you must 
not exceed unless upon a good Prospect nf meeting w* the Enemy, and 
therefore lake but 40 Days Provision -, w''' may be lengthen'' out If Occa- 
sion require. If you find it necessary, you may assure those that are 
Inhabitants & are ready & forward for this Service, That iliey shall be 
continued in Fay after the March is perform'' and that the others shall be 
dismiss"'. You must I»e sure lo support your authority by a pro|jer & reso- 
lute Management in this aflair. I suspect Lt. Hartwell has beeii concern'' 
in raising thLs Discontent, among the People. You must therefore make 
strict Enquiry WItelher it be so or not & let me know, & I shall deal with 
Him accordingly. You may Cake a skilful Pilot with you who will be enti- 
luled to y* Established Payfi if llie Uocter mentioned is willing to serve & 
tnLSt to y* generosity of Gen' Court for what He may bee allowed above 
Souldiers pay. It will he very well for you to take Him & Ihercfore you sh 
encourage his Going. You have inclosed tJie Commiss you desir* 

[MassacliusetU Archives. lkx[|. aaa.] 

May it please yttiir Honour. 

According to your orders 1 have been at Lancaster and accordingly 
made cntjuiry into the Conduct of Lieut Hartwell and cannot find that he 
has been in the least measure to blame, but on the contrary did all that lay 
in his Power to promote & further the Designe your Honour Coiiianded us 
lo go u[>on. Wee marched yesterday &l Campt the last night at y Mouth 
of Neesonkeej; brook, I am. Your Honours 

Most obed' Humble Serv*. 

EI.EAZAR TVNC 

Natacook. A]> : I . gin j* morning. 

P S Inclosed I send ihose papers according to your Honours ord' 
[Massacliusells Archives, Lxxil, aaj.] 



t 224 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

I _* 

ELixCASiEX Aogost y* 23 1715. 
Afajr it pleu yti^ f/omer : 

T. Soar Hoa^ HiTcing Gives me tbe SiAscriber tfaf laspcctjan ol the 

(^ Soldiers 2I sd Laocaster mdcr Conrauad of Cap* ]otaah WiUard Ukd 1 

t haveing bult U Torker Hik aad mjr EUenst Ijriiig tbcK, I am desined to 

^ Remoue Ibetber y iiez weak if 1 imjr bat obCaia four Hon" Leare ihere- 

^ for hopdDg thu I shall there be in as Good a Capant; to serve both mj 

y King and ConWiy, I Humbly Reqqest jwi Hovf wo«tld Signi£e yow 

^ pleasuo- hErdn by y* barer : 

p Vow Hon™ most Hwnble Semat 

by jr hand erf Eos^ne OGver Wilder. Eowabd Haktweix 

[Uassuhosetts Aidiins ui, z^it.] 

Edward Hartwell removed iVom Lancaster and was for 
many years Lunenburg's most prominent citizen, serving 
as representative for the town after he was eight}' jxars 
old. In 1750 he was appointed Judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas. Reverend Peter lATiitney closes a sketch 
of his career thus : " and finally he died in the ninety sev- 
enth year of his age, as full of piety as of days." 



Laxca^'eic Hay 9? 1725. 
May il f>lease your Honour. 

Being relumed home! thought rayselfoblidged to In fonn your Honour 
thai on ihe 5* of April last, I went from Lancaster to Dunstable and the 
8'" Day of April from thence up Marrimack with 30 men, two of which 
came back in A short time, one of them being taken sick, and y' other 
having suit himself very badly. 1 marcht up Marrimack about 130 mile, 
and there discovered some signs of Indians, some old. which we Judged 
were made sometime this winter and one new track on ihe Bank of the 
Rii'er, wch we Judged had gone but a few days before I seat out scouts 
but could discover nothing further. We tben turned off to y* Westward 
towards Coos, marched 10 miles the 24"" of April Att evening one of our 
men viz Sam" Mossman of Sudbury being about Encamping, look hoJd 
of his Gun that stood among some Bushes drew it towards him with the 
muzzle towards him some twi^ caught hold of the cock, the Gun went 
off, and sholt him throgh. he died Imediately. We went across to Con- 
neclicutt River came down that to Northtield and from thence across the 
woods to Lancaster, we goti in yesterday. I have endeavoured £uthfiilly 
to attend your Honours orders already recie»ed, and it your Honour has 
any further service for me I desire your Honour would let me know it. I 
have not as yet complealcd my Journal, but hope to finish it in a sbort 



1 





MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 225 

time that it may be Laid before your Honour. I am your Honours most 
obedient humble Servant 

On his Majesties Service John White 

For the Honourable William Dummer Esq. 

Leivt Governour &c. In Boston. These 

[Massachusetts Archives, LXXII, 23aJ 

Sir, I have the Account of y' March & Return by your Letter of the 
9"* Instant & Approve of your Proceedings, tho I am heartily grieved for 
the Death of the poor Man, & wonder that so many unhappy Accidents 
of this Kind have not been sufficient to warn our People of the Effects of 
such Indiscretion. The Season being now advanced for the Appearance 
of the Enemy, and it being more likely to meet with them now than 
before, I desire you would go out with the Same Number of Men & upon 
the same Establishm^ which will be allow* you ; I should be glad you could 
immediately proceed, & make up a Muster Roll for your two Marches upon 
your Return. For m«^ Time will otherwise be lost at this critical Juncture. 
However if you must first come to Town let there be no Delay ; If any of 
your men are backward to go out again you must enlist others to make up 
your number. I shall not prescribe any Rout to you, you being best able 
to judge where the Enemy may be mett with : Carry out as much Pro- 
vision as you can, That so you maynt be obliged to return very soon : Be 
very silent & watchful on your March & Ambushments. I heartily wish 
you Success, and am your Serv* 

Boston II May 1725. W" Dummer 

Capt White 
Capt Welds 

[Massachusetts Archives, LXXII, 233.] 

Dunstable July the 10: 1725. 
May it Please your Hon^: 

Old Christian Being this morning Being Taken with a violent Bleed- 
ing Caused our Companyes to stop and within a few hours he died & the 
other mohaucks are not willing to Leave him before he is Buried & our 
desine is to march ouer Merimack Riyer and There to Take a True List 
of our mens Names, & shall march as Quick as Possible. Who Remain 
Still your Honours at Coinand John White 

Seth Wyman 
[Massachusetts Archives, Lii, 222.] 

1725. June 10. Answering a — "Memorial of Capt John White, 
Shewing that he has lately raised a Company of Voluntiers, who have 
made Two Marches against the Indian Enemy, That the Memorialist, in 
raising th^said Company of Voluntiers has been at greater expence than 
what his Wages have amounted to, he having no more Allowances or Pay 
than a Private Man of the said Voluntiers is entitled to, praying that as 

IS 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



what be did in raising the said Volnntiers was with a View and Design t 
serve the Interesi of the Province, that he may have such Rccompence 
and SatisEactioo Tor his said Service as to the Wisdom and Bnuoiy of this 
Court shall seem meet;" — twelve pounds were allowed by the General 
Court. 

[MassachusetU Records. — Jaainal of General Coun.] 

InstructwHs lo Captaiia H'Otard, UTute and BlaiickarJ. 
S'. Having Commissio Dated you to Command a Company of Volun- 
tiers against the Indian Eneniy, you are hereby Directed to Exercise and 
maintain good DLscipline and Governmeol among your Officers and Sol- 
diers and to Suppress and punish all Disorders. Vice, and Immorality and 
to Keep up ihe Worship of God in your said Company. Vou must nwrch 
to Pigwacket. unless you shall upon mature Consideralioo Judge any other 
tour more etfectual for the service, withall Canvcnient Dispatch Joining 
such Companys of Volnntiers in theCounly of Middlesex as shall be ready 
lo proceed with you and from thence march to such places where by your 
Intelligence may Judge it probable to meet with the Indian Enemy, if 
you Judge it necessary to keep the whole Body together in order to attack 
any Tribe or Settlement of Indians I shall approve of your so doing, oth- 
wise that Two Companys or halfe your Body proceed Eastw*. & the other 
halfe to proceed from Pigwacket to Strike over to Amrescoggin & Kennc- 
beck River, endeavouring to get higher up the said Rivers then the places 
of the Indians Settlements one party of which to Come down Amres- 
coggin River to Fori George & the other down Kcnnebeck River to Rich- 
mond, and if your provision should (all short so as that the whole cannot 
be sufficiently (vjrnish'' for the march to Amrescoggin & Keonebeck Rivers, 
some of your Feeblest men must Come into Berwick. The remaining pari 
of the Body to go off to the North Westward in Quest of the Indian En- 
emy said to be there taking with them the Mohawks for their Guides. Let 
your Marches be with all the Secrecy & Silence as well as Dispatch, you 
are Capable of. You must Kill, T.ike & Destroy to the utmost of your 
power all the Enemy Indians you can meet with in your March. St Seai^h 
for their Corn, destroying all you can tind. And give Intelligence (roin 
lime to time of every thing of Importance that may happen- 

[Massachusetls Archiv«, UVXII, aso.J 

c iKitig in Ihe original fr*- 

UlTEIl 



Orders lo Cafil IVhUe fr* Uyman Aug 7 1725- 
Received an acct. from Coll. Wentworlb of your returne lo Cocheco. I 
am very sorry for the Sickness & the difficultys of a wcl Season that has 
attended your march. & make no dout but you have done the uttmost prac- 
ticable under these pressures & misfortunes, but since It has Pleased 



i 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 



227 



God it should bee so & that we have lately concluded a cessation of armes 
w"' itie Penobscott Indians in order to bringing about a general peace, 
I would have [you] repair home & disband your Compaayes & make out 
Muster Rolls forthwith. 

[Massacbusetts Archires, Lit. 334.] 



Ti (At Hen*!'^ William Dummer Esqr. Lieut. Gtmemonr and CoSiander 
iH Chief f he hen'''' the coumill and /Representatives for the Province 
of the Afatsuchttsetts Bay in N'eai England in General Court Assem- 
bled at Boston the ly'. day of December Anno Dam 1727. 

The Petition of Eunice White Relict widow of Capt. John White late 
of Lancaster deced. Humbly Shewelh. That Whereas your PetT sd hus- 
band in his liFu time in the years 1724 & 1725 as well as at other times 
performed sundry marches ag' the Indian Enemy and did other services 
for the good of his Country & was active and vigorous in the Defence 
thereof against those barbarous Salvages, not only ha/arding his life but 
Expending good part of his substance therein, as is well known to many. 
Some few Instances whereof your Pet' would humbly rlpresent to this 
Hon**" Court. Yo; Pet? sd. hu.sband altho he had divers times had the 
honour to bear command yet voluntarily Enlisted himself under the late 
Capt. Lovcwell, and choose rather to go as an Under Officer a[ that time 
because he would do what in him lay to Encourage others to Enlist and 
marched with him at the lime when they killed the Ten Indians, in which 
march they were out near Forty days. Then he performed a march to a 
place called Cohosse on Connecticut River thinking to meet with the Ene- 
my there and came in at Fort Dummer, being out thirty four days, tho they 
missed of their desired Success ; Then in about Eight days time he had a 
Company raised and went to Pigwacket to bury Capt. Lovewell which he 
performed in a very difficult sea.son of the year. Then he went to Con- 
necticut at his own cost and charge to get a Company of Mohege Indians 
in order to go down to Si Francois to lake an I ndian fort there, but failing 
of his aim, he returned home and then enlisted a Company of Voluntiers 
and marched designing for a Fort beyond Pigwacket. but was taken sick 
before he got 1 he re, returned home and dyed leaving your Pet' his bereaved 
widow with seven Children the Eldest about Fifteen years old and Four 
of them very young, & one she then went with who is now living; In all 
which Services your Petit? said husband cheerfully underwent many hard- 
ships and difficulties for the good of his country, and was at considerable 
Cost and Charge, by Supplying those that Enlisted under him with neces- 
saries which could not be readily obtained elsewhere, purely to make 
dispatch. 

Now Forasmuch as the Sickness of which your Pet? husband dyed was 
in all probability Occa.sioned by means of y" difficulties he underwent in 



228 ASKALS OF LANCASTER, 

tbe Pidilick Serxke. & that he ancr in Im Mfe ttoK had an Opportunity of 
askiiig joor Hon* Favoar far his post Sen ic ea but was talcen awa;- in the 
Strength aad ngomt of his Sfe, withoiH recchtii^ northing Cnxn the Pnb~ 
Bch more than s^Mpda/lbrthedKceiMardKshe petfDroed asafaresf aad 
in rc^td jf^jor I^C is kft a ^ x an sb bOc widow witb sevcnl Fathofess 
Chiadfcn to bring op who soad in dailj need of lelief ami S^iport, jma 
IVe GmBng it «<bj ■■*i*'^>* to p n xije far them. She therdoR aoost hnm- 
Uf lM()loKn yew Ha«T pitr and Co^naskMi w hersdf & CUldren. and 
that as ytM have been p lea se d in fike cases (o reward those dot hare 
sened the Province, and the Reptr se noiiTes of those ihit haie km their 
lives ia the Pnblick Serrke. So that she maj Experience of tlie Boon^ 
& Goodness o/ this Hcoo'^ Coort to b<T in her iBfficalt 'TTTrrttanm. 
and thai jtm wSt be pkased to Gtant her T«o bnndred and Fifij acres of 
the unapfiropntted Lands of the P re wn oe that dK na; diipiae of the 
same far the £AMatiixi and hrin ri ng vd fc^ afares^ f^^t^ffty or that towt 
Hon' wonid otherwise lefinc her as in jo^ Great Goodness & Conpns- 
sioa jw shall see meet. And as is do^ bouid joar PetiC dull evo' 
pra; &C. EcxKX Wurrc 

In the Honae of Rtpreienotiws Dcconbs aS? 1737. Rend and in 
answer to this fc ti tion. RenoKed Tint the som of One UnndRd pfxn^s 
be aUowed and paid ont of the pobfici Ttosoij to tbe pe ti tiooer the wid- 
dow Euoioe WUte in Conaidention of tbe good Ser vic e s dooe tUs 
prottBce br btr htc hefaand Capl. Join White, and gnat "tt" i 
wfaich be fas badno CooMAratioa. asp ar ti nttir tysel torthin thep 
and Ibc better We^Alelhepetilioaertos^port ber Fanolj and taring a 
her ChiOdns. Sent ^ far Conamncc Ww OCIM.ET ^ 



In council Dec sS. 1737. Read ft Cdncnr' J. Wiuako Sktx 
Caosenttdu W" Ucibusm. 



■SJSM 

4 



CaptatD John WHiw was gmulson of the pioneer bear- 
ing ihe same oaii>e. He was bom Sep<etnber 19, 1684, 
9oa ol* Josiah a.ad Mary ^\'hite. An elder brotbo' became 
pfominent in Lancaster as Deacon Joeiab White, and his 
brother Jonathan n-as slain by the Indians in 1707. Cai»- 
tain White was a Macksmhb by trade, and well to ilo far 
his times ; his inTentor\~ dated January 17:5-6 scmmtng 
1220 pounds. In 172S Reii~ereiid John Prentice records 
baptiajog "the widdow Whites children': Eunice. John. 
Bette, EVrrothy, Thomas, Lois, Mary. Natfaanael. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



DEC* OF PERSONS W" Y' 10 INDIANS WERE KILLED. 



I 

I 



Jno White 
Sam Tarbol 
Jcr. Hunt 
Eben. Wright 
Jos. Read 
Sam Moor 
Phin. Foster 
Fra; Dogetl 
S HiltoD 
Jno. Pollard 
Bca Walker 
Jos. Wright 
Jno. Varnura 
Robt Ford 
Ben Parker 
Sam Shaltock 
Jacob Ames 
Jno Stephens 
Jos: Whttlock 
Sam Sawyer 
Esra Sawyer 

At killing of them i 



Jana: Houghton 
James Houghton 
Henry Willard 

Jacob Gales 
Joseph WhiUomb 
Sam II Learned 
Robt Phelps 
Moses Graves 
Moses Hazzen 
John Leviagston 
Jereni Pearley 
Win Halchins 
Jacob Corey 
Oliver Pollard 
Samlh Trull 
Ben" Parker [4/j] 
Wm: Sjjalden 
Samll Fletcher 
Jno. Duncom 
Jethro Ames 
John Sawyer 
Indians. Lovell & ' 



Moses Chandler 
Joseph WUsan 
Jona Parks 
Joshua Webster 
Samli: Johnson 
Staph Murrill 
Jacob Pearly 
John Hazzen 
Eb: Brown 

Hamll. Stickney 
Joshua Hutch ins 
Benony Boyntoo 
Eph Farns worth 
Ruben Farns worth 
Thos. Farmer 
Rich. Hall 
Neh. Robinson 
Jona. Parks [Wj] 
Caleb Uolton 

62 



[M3S5u:hu5etts Amhivi 



[. 363.1 



The names of Lancaster men are printed in italics. 
The petitioners for the grant of Nichewaug, now Peters- 
ham, in 1733, asked it in consideration of "the Hardship 
& Difficult marches they vnderwent as volunters vnder the 
Comand of the Late Cap'" Lovell & Cap" White after the 
Inden enemy and Into their Countrey." Most of the above 
names appear in the list of Proprietorsof that Grant. The 
chief inducement to volunteer in a service so arduous, was 
the enactment of 1732, oilering "volunteers without pay or 
subsistence, for the scalp of any male Indian of the age of 
twelve years or upwards the sum of rcx) pounds." Wom- 
en and children, scalped or unscalped, were paid for at 
half price. 

In an appendix to an Address delivered in Bolton at the 
Centennial Celebration, July 4, 1876, by Reverend Richard 




230 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



S. Edes, is printed part of a diary "found among the 
papers of the first clerks of the town." The cop3ist adds, 
" How old the book is, no one can tell." It is a journal of 
the scout of Captains Lovell and White "when the lo 
Indians were killed," February. 1724 ; probably written by 
one of the Lancaster soldiers there present. The minutes 
of the first eight days have been torn off. 

9. We traveled 14 miles aad camped at the norwest corner of winipi- 
socket pond. 

10. We traveled 16 miles, aad camped at the north side of Cusumpe i 

1 1 . We traveled 6 miles N by E from Cusumpe aud there camped — 
and sent out scouts, and some of our scouts thought tbey discovered j 

12. We sent out scouts, and they discovered nothing. 

13. Wc lay still and sent out scouts, and to strengthen us to 
farther we sent home 29 men. 

14. We traveled 10 miles toward Pigwackett. and then came upon a | 
branch of the Saco river, and sent out scouts. 

15. We lay still and sent out scouts and discovered nothing. 

16. We traveled 6 miles and came upon an Indian wigwam— the Indi- I 
ans being gone we left 16 men with our packs and the rest pursued them I 
till dark and stayed there all night. 

17. We followed their track till eight o'clock next day and then we 
came back to fetch our packs, traveled the remaining part of that day and ' 
the night ensuing six miles. 

tS. We traveled ao miles and camped at the great pond upon Sawco 

19. We traveled 22 miles and camped at a great pond. 

zo. We traveled 5 miles and came to a wigwam where the Indians I 
been lately gone from, and then wc jiursucd their track about 3 miles 
further and discovered their smoke and then tarried till about two o'clock | 
at night and then came upon them and killed 10 Indians which was 
there was. 

21. We traveled 6 miles. 

22. We lay still and kept scouts upon our back tracks to see if there 
would any pursue. 

23. We traveled 30 miles and Camped at Cotheco. 

Another journal of this march has been printed in Uie 
New England Historical and Genealogical Register, vii, 
62, differing very slightly from the above, q. v. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 



A tru jurHoll of my traveUs be^n the s'* of April, 1725 
We tra.ucl'' lo Groten vz mitds and thear stayed by reson of foul 

6 day we Irauel'' to dunslabel 13 milds and thear Lay thai night 

7 day we Lay stil by reson of foull wether 

S day we mustared and went ouer the riuer to the hotis of John Taylors 
about 3 tnilds 

9 day we marcht up the riuer about 8 milds and then catnpl one of our 
men being taken uerey sik for he kold trauel no ferther, his name was 
Thomas Simson, Our Doctor Joseph Whetcomb thai night set his fut into 
a Ketel of bJUng broth that lie cold trauel no ferther 

10 day was foul wether and we sent 2 men in lo dunstabel with the 
sik and Lam men and [they] returned that night to us again 

1 1 day we Craueled about 13 milds and then campt about 3 mild aboue 
amoskeeg falls. 

12 day we traueled 1 1 milds and then campt at the mouth of penekoock 

13 day we traueled 7 milds and then campt at the iansh fort in pene- 
kook Enteruals that day it rayend uery hard all day. 

14 day we traueH 10 milds and then Crost meremack riuer aboue the 
mouth of Contookock riuer and then Campt, 

15 day (ve iiauel' '& milds north west from Contockock to a litel stream 
that runs into meremack Kiuer about 3 milds westard from meremack and 
then campt and sent out skouts 

16 day we traueld 12 milds and Cam to a pond which was uery Long 
and we turned to the east sid of it and then campt. and then sent out 
skouts that day we lay about 3 milds westard of the mouth of Winepi- 

17 day it raynd uere hard the fore part of the day and a litel before 
night it cleard up & we sent skouts but found northen 

i3 day we traueled 14 milds and that day we Crost z great streames 
that runs in to meremack, one of tliem comes out of a great pond which 
sum indens says it is 3 days jurney round it the Land is uerey full of great 
hils and mountains and uerey rockey abundance of sprus and hemlock and 
fiir and sum bech and maple and we campt 

19 day we (raueld 1 1 milds and then campt al the Louar End of pemi- 
chewashet Lour Enteruals and sent out skouts. 

2a day we lay stil by reson of foull wether and towards nit it Cleard up 
and we sent out skouts and found whear Cornol Tyng crost meremack 

21 day we iraueld i2 milds up pemichewashet Riuer and found old sines 
of indens and we sent out skouts that night and found one new track and 
we lay that night by the riuer and mad new camps. The Land that lys 
by this riuer is uere rich and good the upland uere full of hils and moun- 
tains, uery bad traueling 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 233 

pany not being quite Ready. Christian was taken with a violent Bleeding 
and Died about one Clock, we then went over the River the Canada Mo- 
hawk not being willing to Go, we left him behind. 

1 1 . We Went up the River about Two miles, & waited for Capt. 
Wyman. 

12. We Traveled about 7 miles & then Encamp'd. 

13. we march about 33^ miles, Capt Wyman overtook us. We sent 
out scouts, We kiird a Bear & sev^ Rattle Snakes. 

14. MarchM about 4 miles, & some of our men thinking they heard 
Guns up Piscataquag River, we sent out 40 men up the River and 20 more 
Eastw** who Returned not that night. 

15. our Scouts came in but made no Discovery, we KilPd two Bairs & 
divers Rattle Snakes, which pester'd us very much in our march 

16. One of Capt. Wymans Men being very sick, we travePd but about 
4 miles, but kept Scouts out Continually. 

17. Excessive Rain occasioned our laying still, but sent out Scouts who 
Killed a Black Moose. 

18. We March'd about 7 miles, our Indian being taken very lame we 
lay still a while but his lameness continuing we sent him home, we 
encampM at Suncook 

19. We March'd to Pennecook about eleven miles. 

20. Lay still by Reason of a Bad Storm of Rain. Several of our 
men taken ill. 

21. Four of Capt Wymans men were sent home with two sick men. 
We travePd about 5 miles. 

22. Several more of our men were taken very ill with a Bloody Flux, 
which we Suppose was occasioned by Excessive Rains, & Immoderate 
Heats. It rained this day very hard that obliged us to lay still, Keeping 
our Scouts out. 

23. men being very Sick & Weak we TravePd 8 miles & Encamp*d 

24. Our men Continuing very 111 we march'd but 7 miles. 

25. It being good Travelling we march'd about 9 miles notwithstand- 
ing the weak Condition of the Company. Our Well men being obliged 
to carry the Sick mens packs. 

26 Lay still by Reason of a Storm of Rain, our men continuing sick. 

27. the Storm continuing, & our men growing worse we lay still all 
day. 

28. We Traveled about Eleven miles & Encamped 

29 we March'd about Ten miles & come upon Cocheco path 

30. We March'd to the Town of Cocheco 19 miles 

31 Came to Oyster River 

Aug: I TravePd from thence to Exeter 

2. March'd from Exeter to Kingstown 

3. We March'd to Bradford. 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



4- Raind hard, we got to Billerica 

S. 1 arrived at Lancaster and Dismiss'd my Company 

Boston Aug II 1735 

[Massai:husells Archives XXX 



LETTERS OF CAPTAIN SAMUEL WILLARD TO LIEUTENANT 
GOVERNOR WILLIAM DUMMEK. 

1725. Honoured Sir, after my doty presenled lo you these arc to in- 
forme you that on Monday [he nineteenth of this current July in the after- 
noon I marched from Rutland witli fifty two able Uodyed men cowards 

Walchusett with days Provision one of tlie men before we camped 

that night by an accident sprained his ankle who was oblidged lo Return 
into Rutland and Capt. Wright was so Ingenious as spare one of his men 
for him 1 have left (our more good men with Capt. Wriglit and have four 
of his men in their stead the first night we Camped on the south side of 
Ware River, and the next day lay still by Reason of foul weather sent out 
scouts and tracked Indians the next day we marched over the River 
where we camped west from Watchusett 1 desighn to march about twenty 
mile brther towards menagnick and ther to Scout about 3 or 4 days and 
then march to pemichawasselC We are all io good health write in the 
woods about six or seven mile of Watchuselt and sent in by Rudand scout 
this twenty second day of July anno Domini 1725. 
Writt in hast. I Remain y? to Command 

SAM':'^ WlLlJlKD 

[MassachusclU Archives, LJIl. 383.] 

July 25 17=5 
Honoured Sr. these are to Informe you Ihal this day being 
wide of Wattchusett and Menadnick upon our march towards Peml- 
shewassetl with fourty seven able bodyed men, four of our men being sick 
and not able to travel who 1 have sent into Lancaster wilh Joshua Parker 
a well man to take care of ihem I doe not think to be into any town 
this five and thirty days unless we get some Indians Yesterday I being 
upon the scout heard a Gun which I supposed to be an Indian gun have 
sent out scouts there several ways this day there is fourty seven men 
besides the five who are come in 

Yrs to sarvc Sam'^ Wili.ard 



I 



S! I desire that there may be preparation for canoes all Northfield If 
your honour designs any march to St. Francis this summer Capt. Blanch- 
ard desiring the same we not thinking of it when in Boston 

Vrs lo serve SamV- Willako 



[Mas 



l.=3o-J 




MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- rr^S- 235 

Lancaster Aueust 16 i?25 
For y lIoHMfriibU William Dummer Esq 

May it Plcsc your Honner Persuant to your Honners Instructions to 
mc 1 marched from Rutland North or thereabouts tille wc came to Wanad- 
luck and from thence North East for pemissiwassett until! Sabbath day 
y* 8 of August Intending to have mete Capt Blancher there But By Rea- 
son of much foule weather and Ejilreme Bad Woods to Iravele in we 
Being preswcad'' Capl Blancher was come from pemisiwassett thought it 
more scarvisable to come Down at a Distance from y* river which we Did 
about 35 miles and then came to y* River and mete with Capt. Blancher 
at y' mouth of Contocouk and so came Down y" River and arived well at 
Lancaster Thursday August y* i! with most of our mean Some Being so 
weary with their march we Left them at Grolon : if your Honner Have any 
farther Instructions I shall be Ready to sarve ; 

Your Honners very Humble Sarvent Samuel Willard 

1 should Have sent to Informe your Honner Before Bm Capt Blanchard 
told me be shold send that we Both Came In togeiher. 

[Ma>saihusi:»i Archivta. i.xxil. 357.] 

May it please your Honour Yesterday I arriv" at Dunstable with a 
Company of very good, likely, effeelive men ; I had been here sooner but 
my march was retarded by the sickness of my Lieut! who remains so bad 
that he cannot go with me ; to supply whose place, I would if your Honour 
see Cause desire a blank CofPilssion might be sent me lo be bestowed upon 
one whom the Company is desirous to choose among themselves. I have 
advised w"' Col Tyng with regard to my March & taking the young Mo- 
hawk with [me] who is, I find willing eno upon the encouragement pro- 
posed to go. I would beg leave to represent to your Honour that the 
march will be long and hard, if He Pilots up where I design to go, & 
would desire Chat Capt Blanchard & his men may be ordered to go with 
me, so that if any of our men grow faint and weak, we may have still eno 
lo prosecute our design, and may send such in either eastward or westward 
i^ we shall judge best, & those that go forward may be supported with 
their Provision. 1 humbly conceive this to be of great importance lo the 
Province lo serve which I design lo us my utmost endeavour in this March, 
Sl in this Representation, which I have adventured to Irauliie you with 1 
rcmaine Your Honours most obedient Humble Serv' 

Dunstable Sept 7 1725 Samuel Willard 

iMassachusclts Archives, I.li. 267.] 

May it Please your Hon' 

Yesterday my men marched they being sixty eight in Number and 
th.il the young mohauck assures us that he can Lead us to the Indians 
Head Quarters and Goes Cherfully a Long with us, & Capt blanchard is 



1 



fc 




2^6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

[mediately marching after me and we desire when come lo Cusumpe pond 
or penesiwassett to send forty of our weakest hands back with a smalt 
matter of Provision in to the westerd or easterd and to proc^ with the Rest 
to the place where the mohauck tels ixs of if by Good Providence we have 
our healths Who Remain y' Hon~ 

Dunstable Sep'' the 9"' Most obedient Servant 

1725 Sam':^ WiiXAKii 

[Massachuselts Archivos, Lll. a7Q.] 

Sepf^ 19. 1715. 

Honoured Sir after my Duly to you These Lines are to inform you 
that 1 am well, & all my men excepting Three one of which badly wound- 
ed himself with his Haichett, which is Richard Burtt & Two others 
being ill not able to pform the Service, by name Sergt, Abial Chapin & 
Benj. Alherton. & 1 Thought it proper to send home Twelve men more 
under the Coiiiand of Lei' Combs, & I with Capt Blanchard do send one 
Party down Mirimack, & the other Party between MarJmack & Coaecticut 
into Turkey Hill. & if it is your Honours Pleasure to Keep them Scouting 
where you think it best they are at your service. And Capt Ulanchard, 
& 1, have taken all their Provisions, for to lengthen our Journey excepting 
enough to carry them home. We are now Near the Crotch of the River, 
No more at Present but I Remain Your Humble Servt. 

Sam"^ Willard 

[Massacliuseiu Archives. Ul. a86.] 

Saco October 14 1725 
May it please your Honner pursuant to your Honners Instructions 
Capt Blanchard and 1 marched up Marrimack about one Hundard and 
fiefty milles from Dunstable till we Came to Head of it we saw some 
signes of a wigwarm where we supose some Indians had Been about six 
weeks since and from Marrimack in about 3 milles we came upon Saco 
River and Came Down sd River to Saco falls on wensday October 13 and 
in y* evening come to winter harber to Capt Jordensand tooke some stores 
of him for our subsistence, for we had not any Provision Laeft, for in the 
morning we Before we came to Saco falls we fineshed all our provisions so 
thai we had not any Laeft and we are now coming Home as fast as we 
can we shall give your Honner more parlicurler acount in our Jomnal) 
wh"* is all in hast from your Honners Humble Sarvcnt 

For the Honble W" Dummer Escj' Sam':'- WlLiARD 

[Massachusetts Archives, l.tl. 302.] 

Captain Samuel was grandson of Major Simon Willard. 
His father, Henry, who lived on the Still River farm, left 
him a considerable estate whicli he largely increased. 
Besides other lands he bought the "night pasture," the Ed- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - "725- 



237 



ward Breck lot, and the homestead of his grandfather. 
He is reputed to have built and lived in the large house on 
ihe Breck lot, near the railroad crossing just north of the 
Lancaster station, wherein three generations of his descend- 
ants succeeded him. He commanded the Fourth Massa- 
chusetts regiment in the Louisburg expedition of 1745, his 
son Abijah being captain, and hts son Levi ensign in the 
first company of the regiment. The slate over his grave 
in the old burying ground, records that the " Honourable 
Coll Samuei, Willard Esq" died November 20, 1752, at 
the age of sixty-two. 

A Jfiuntall nf my March. 
Thursday July 15 musleH at Lancaster 
Friday July 16 I marclied (rum Lancaster to Rutland 
Satturday 17 it was foul weather in ye forenoon 
Sabbath iS 1 lixed the m^ out with the storex 
Monday 19 We marched toward Ware River and then Camped and 
sent out scouts & tracked some Indains & Hacrd two Guns 



tuesday 20 
Wensday 2 1 
Like to Rain, 
thursday 22, 
Friday 23 



c lay slill By Reason of foule weather 

ve marched over Ware River & Camped for we saw it 



we lay slille by Reason it Rained hard all day. 
we marched about six milles & it Being very hot we camped 
about y' middle of y* afternoon by reason of several of our weeke ttien 
could not travele there packs Being so havy I sent out three scouLs & 
ordered ihcm [to] travell five or six milles which they Did three severale 

Satturday 34 we marched about seven miles northerly & sent out our 
scouts which haerd a gun but Discouered nothing elce 

Sabbath day 25 four of our men not Being able to travele I sent them 
home who are by name Thomas Burl Rohert Gray Jacob Moor & Jere- 
miah Belcher I also sent Joshua Parker Home with them we marched 
Northeast about three milles 

Munday 26 Lay stllle by Reason of rain we sent out scouts who 
scouted about 3 mille Round but Discouered nothing. 

Tuesday 27 we could not travele By Reason of Rain But we sent out 
severale scouLs & Discouered nothing 

Wensday 23 Mr William Brinlnall Being sick & Daniel How Lame I 
sent them Home we marched about ij miles north and be Wast Round 
some pounds and Camped at y* South end of Nockeeg pound and sent out 
scouts 3 milles each way & Discouered nothing 



=38 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



Thursday 29 we marched North and be wast about nine milles and 
corsed severale Branches of Millers Riuer and Camped and sent out 
scouts which found where y* Indians had Ljved Last year and made a 
Conoe at y' north End of a Long pond. 

Friday 30. we marched North in y" fornoon & Came to a pound 
which Run into Contocook Riuer in y afternoon we marched north wast 
in all about 12 milks S: Camped at Peewunsenn pound and sent out scouts 
4 milles and they found 2 wigwarms made last year they also found a pad- 
dle & some squash shells in one of them which we suppose they caried 
from Rutland 

Saiturday 31 we marched 12 milles and I with 14 men CampI on y 
top of Wannadnuck Mountains & Discouercd z6 pounds saw Pigwackett 
Lying one point from sd mountain & Cusagee mountain and Winnepe- 
seockey Lading north east from sd Wannadnuck the same Day we found 
several old signes which y* Indaln^ had made the Last yaerSi where yy 
campl when Ihey killed y' peaple at Rutland as we Imagine. 

Saljbalh August y' i"" we marched from )■• wast side of Wenadnuck 
& corsed three stremes that Run into Contocook and then Campt and sent 
out Scouts and found two wigwarms made in June or July as we suppose 
and found sixteen of those spitts which they Rost there meat with all in 
sd wigwarms & one of our scouts went so far that thay could not Return 
y' same night 

Monday l we marched about seven milles & crosed a Grate Ilranche 
of Contocook River & sent out our Scouts up and Down the River each 
Scout traveled about 8 milles. 

Tuesday 3 we marched N E about suiteen milles and campl and sent 
out scouts who found many old signes of Indians 

Wcnsday 4 we lay stilte By Reason of foule weather, we sent out our 
Scouts and they haerd a Gun 

Thursday 5 we marched about t6 milles northerly and crosed two 
stremes thai Run into Merimack & sent out our Scouts and Discoucred 

Friday 6. we marched about iS milles in the morning we found a mog- 
erson Iracke. and spent some time scouting after sd Trackc we campt near 
a Little pound. 

Satturday 7 we traveled about 20 milles N £ and crosed two Stremes 
that Run into Merimack 

Sabbath 8 we Returned Homeward By Reason of our Indians Havtog 1 
no Provision and several of our English But Little we come to a Streme 
that Run into merimack we traveled about 24 milles South and By East. 

'Monday 9 we traveled about East tilte we came to Merimack Being 
about 10 milles and mctle with Capt. Blanchard coming from Pemisewas- 
sett and in afternoon came to y" Lower End of Pennicook, which is about J 
sixteen milles & campt 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 239 

Tusday ro we Traveled 24 miiles Down Ihe [Merrimac] to Cohassell 
falls. 

Wensday 1 1 We came 14 miiles Sc came to Dunslable. 
Thursday 13 Came 24 miiles and came to Lancaster 

Sam'-'- Willaho 

[Miissachusrlls Arcliiics. xxwlil. A 109-to,] 



A Jniirnal of y March of Capt. Samuel IVillard accompamed tuitk 
Capi. yps: Blanchard: /« Pursuit of y, Indian Rebells. Mustard at 
Ijjiuasler friday Stp''. y 3'': 

Sep' 4 Saturday Leiut. Warner marched w? all sd WiUards Com- 
pany lo Grolon, except those of Lancaster. 

Sabbath, si" Lay still by Reason of Rain. 

Mund: 6: Capi Willard & those of Lancaster Rid 5: overlook Lt: 
Warner & y' rest at Dunstable. 

Tue.'wlay Wednesday & ihursday. Lay still by reason of hard rains. 

Friday lo. We marched over y* River about 7 mile & campi. 

Saturday 1 1" We marched up y* River lo Parkers Brook & campt. 

Sabbath 12"' We lay still by reason of Rain. 

Munday rj"! We marched up y* River to Neticoock & campt. 

Tuesday 14"' We marched up sd River to Cohassetl falls & sent out 
scouts. & campl. 

Wednesday 15. We marched lo Ammoskeeg. sent out scouts and 

Thursday 16. Wc sent a scout consisting of 40 men over y' River w"' 
marched on y* west side. Capt. lilancher went to Hannichoockset falls & 
campt. & Capt Willard went lo Suncook about 3 miles further & campt. 

Friday 17 we marched to Pennicoock Lower falls. & Capt Willard & 
Comp: went over on y" West side of y* River, & marched lo Pennicook 
upper falls, & campt. This day Capt Blancher saw some shoe tracks, & 
having gone up lo Henicook old fort found where they campt. & supposed 
them to be scouts sent out from New Hampshire Governm' & sd Capt. 
Campt a mile above y" fort. 

Saturday 18. we marched about 3 mile above Coniocock River & there 
Capt. Blancher came over lo y' West side of y' River, sent out scouts and 

Sabbath 19. V Captains agreed lo send back a parcel of Men & look 
their Provisions vi«' out of Capt lilanchera Compf 28 Men, out of Capt 
WiUards Comp? 15 men; in all 43 men under y' coinand of Leiut. Comes; 
two of Capt. WiUards men being sick, viz Abel Chapin had a apav" & 
Benj" Atberton the Bloody Flux. & Rich'' Burck cut his leg willi a halchit 
w* Disenabled him for y' service, being also one of Capi. WiUards men, 
and all Included in y* said number of 43 men ; 



340 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



MoDday :o We inarched to y* crotch of y* RK-er w°^ is about 70 miles 
from Dunstable aad crossed y' West Branch, sent out scouts, St campl. 

Tuesday 21. We marched toviard Piminachel, alias Pimtssiwassetl 
about 1 1 miles, and sent out Scouts. & campt. 

Wed. 22 We marched about 9 mile & seol out scouts & canpt ; this 
day Bam' Davis cut his foot with a stone. 

Thursday 23. We sent out scouts to y* River & up by y* side 4 miles, 
and y* army by reason of Rain lay still. 

Friday 24. Capt Willard ^ent back 1 1 of hb men & of Capt Blancli- 
ers 8. which made 19., Some of w=''. were sick, viz of Capt. Witlards 
men Jona. Adams. Ebenei' Policy of a flux. & Symon Atherion y* leaver S: 
ague. & -lid Davis w*"" cut himself. The Capt". ordered thetn to take one 
Conoe from y Crotch of y River where we had left y* rest. & ord^ y 
rest shou'' be left for tear of any more sickness, after this marched about 
6 mile & came to y* Kiver. & sent out scouts. & cnmpt. 

Saturday 25 we marched about 6 mile & came to y* carrying place, 
where y* Indians carry their Conoes from Pemichiwasset to Sowhalg River 
& found that y* Indians had lately been there & Carried their conoes: 
Capt Willard took half a scoui of his men & half of Capt. BUnchers 
being in all 24 & followed y" Indians &^ little before we come to Cusumpy 
Pond we found where they brook one Conoe & coming to y* Pond cou'' 
follow them noe further; & in y* mean time Leiul. Warner with 24 men 
nut of both Companies scouted up y' River, & returned about y middle 
of y" afternoon, & y" army being all met marched about 2 mile up y* River 
j< campt. 

Sept 25 Saturday We also examined Jos : y" Mohak (taking Nessa 
Gawney for an Interpreter) which was the best way to goe to y* Fort he 
told of: and he said we must goe up to y* head of merimack because there 
svas noe goeing over y* hills neer Cusumpy Ponds. 

Sabb" 26 We marched about 12 mile up y' River & sent out scouts & 

Mund. 27 We marched about 12 mile & crossed a stream which ran 
from y* Hills where Capt Lovel killed y* first Indian last winter & sent out 
Scouts & campt. 

Tuesday 28 We marched about 12 mile up y* River &. in about 3 mile 
found a large Wigwam where y" Indians had lately been, as we judged 
about 20 in number, and our Indians said there was Squ.iws as well as San- 
nups, we tracked some of them as we Suppose through Ossippy. and aorae 
up y* River, towards Night we crossed a stream of some considerable big- 
ness Si. sent out scouts & campt. 

Wednes. 29 We marched up y" River, about 14 miie, & come this day 
to y' foot ol a great mountain on y West side of y* River, where y' stream 
was small, we tracked Indians all this day which we suppose ware gone 
directly to Canada, the mountains being steep & rocky we could not 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735. 



^ck Ihem further. This morning we sec where they had been about at 
week before (we supposed), built a Conoe, & judged them to be them 
which we tracked from Pimichiwasset to Cusumpy Pond, & then campt. 

Thurs*. 30 In y* morning sent a scout of 20 men about 4 or 5 mile up 
y' River who made noe liirther discovery, after that we left y' River & 
steared East about 3 mile up a very steep mountain, & campt by reason 
of Rain ; having this morning examined Jos : (y' Mohauck) and he said 
he did not kaow them woods, and did not think thai ihe hed of meri- 
mack had been so fur up, & coii'' tell nothing without he found Sawco 

Friday ocioT 1 : We marched up y' same hill about 6 mile, and being 
on y" lop of y* hill cou Discover no where nigh us anything but steep 
mountains, & marclied down y' hill about five mile, & we generally judged 
said s mile to be 2 mile on a perpendicular, then campt by a small brook 
w" ran out of y* mountain. 

Saturday 2 We lay slill by reason of rain, but sent out some scouts 
who discovered Meremack ran from y' .So E' round said mountain. 

Sabbath 3 We marched S. E, up said River about 6 mile & came to 
y* head of it, & then steared N. E. about three mile over a steep hill & 
then came to y' head of Sawco River, and then marched down said River 
about 1 1 miles East & we judged that River all y' way had fall j foot in 
30 & mountains on each side thereof, Sent Scouts down y' River & 

Mund : 4 This Morning Examin-' sd. Mohack, & said he cou'' tell 
nothing till he came lower down y' River. We marched down said River 
abour 5 mile & sent out Scouts, & campt by reason of rain. 

Tuesday 5 This morning we came on some Entervalls & plain land, 
& found where Indians have been in y* Spring, having found y* hoops 
whereupon lliey Dried their Bear Skins, & we judged might he about 8 or 
10 in number, this Uay we jud;;ed we marched about 24 mile & sent out 
Scouts, & camped. 

Wednes'! 6. we marched down y" River about 20 mile to y* place 
where Capt. Lovel first came upon Sawco River 3 days before his fight at 
y* mouth of a stream which he followed from Pigwacket hill. Sent out 
Scouts. & Campt. We discovered a River y' come from y" N. W. into 
Sawco River. 

Thursd. 7: We Ex", said Jo. y' Mohauck. whether that was not y" 
stream, whereupon the fort was, who s.iid he cou'' not tell whether it was 
thai, or one lower. Capt; Willard & Illancher, took said Jo. with 30 of y* 
ablest men & scouted up said N. W. branch about 10 mile, & found it 10 
be a still stream fit for canoes with plenty of Entervals & old planting land 
of y* Indians. & cou'' not learn anything encouraging from said Jo. & at 
night returned to y" army. Perceiving Provisions to be short, thought it 
advisable to stear homewards. 
16 




Friday 8 of Octob' we marched about 6 mile down j^ River, & Having 
Campt by reason of Rain, sent scouts down y* River. 

Saturday g. we marched down y* River to Pigwacket old fort about 
|6 miles, & Capt. Wiltanl sent Leiut. Warner out with Leui. Wilder & 40 

n from both Companies Into y* Neck of y" River & Ordered them to 
meet y* Army where Capt. Lovil was killed, after meeting we marched 
to y' lower end of Sawco pond, & sent oul scouts. & Cam|>l by y" Rivers 
side, in all about 34 miles. 

Sabb* 10. We marched about 26 mile & sent out scouts & campi, & 
discovered Ossippy River about a mire below us, 

Mun. II, We waded iliis morniug sd River marched about 20 mile 
down y* River, & sent out Scouts & campt. 

Tuesday 12 We waded this morning over another River & marched 
down Sawco River about iH mile & came to Salmon lalls. sent out Scouts 
& campt below )'* (alls. 

Wednes: 13 We marched about 13 miles & came into Sawco (Ms. 
having no subsistance, we marched down to Winter harbour 7 miles & 
look some provisions from Capt. Jordan & lodged there. 

Thursd; 14. It rained in >■* forenoon & in y* aflemooa marched to 
Cape Porpus & there lodged, being about 7 miles 

Frid : 15 We came to WeU about 9 miles & lodged (here, and there 
parted w"< Capt. BUncher. who wcDt by Kingstown & Nuttield. 

Saturd 16. We came to Kiltiry about t8 mile & lodged there. 

Sabb: 17 We travill'' to Hampton blls & lodged there about 20 mile. 

Mund. 18 Came to Andavor being about 13 mile 

Tuesday ig. Capt. Willard Rid & got home that night, and y* rest of 
the men got home, some Wednesday, some Ihursday & some Friday 
being about 40 mile. So ihal from Lancaster la Capt. Willards March 
accordin to his best Judgment & agreed with by }■* Comp' being in all 503 
mile. p Desja. Goodkcixie C/erJt. 

[M.issachusftW An^hivrs, XWVtll, .\. II9-21.) 



LANCASTER MEN IN JOSEPH BLANCHARDS MUSTER ROLL 
AUGUST TO OCTOBER 1725. 



Oliver Wilder Lieut 
Samuel Saw)-er Sergt 
Joseph Whitcomb 
Stephen Houghton 
Ezra Sawyer 
Thomas IJitel John 
Jona Osgood 



John Wheelock 
Joseph Wilson 
John Divoll 
William Stevens 
Jonathan Bay ley 
Henry Sawj-er 

pilAssachusens Archives, XI 





MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



243 



LANCASTER MEN IN THE MUSTER ROLL OF CAPTAIN 
SAMUEL WILLARD AUGUST TO NOVEMBER 1725. 



Sam Willard Capt 
Eleazar Warner Lt of Groton 
Eleazar Robins 2^ Lt do. 
Henry Willard Ens : 
Benj». Goodridge Clerk • 
Ephraim Wheeler 
Moses Chandler 



Joshua Phelps 
Barnabas Tuel 
Benj^ Atherton 
Simon Atherton 
Eben^ Polley 
Richard Wiles 

[Massachusetts Archives, xci, 175.] 



MUSTER ROLL OF CAPTAIN JOSIAH WILLARD'S COMPANY 

JUNE 3 TO NOVEMBER 10, 1725. 



Josiah Willard Captain 
Edward Hartwell Lieut 
Jonathan Shepley Ens. 
Aaron PVillard Sergt. 
Philip Goodridge Sergt. 
John Dean Sergt. 
John Holden Corp 
/sa4U Farnsworth Corp 
Benjamin Corey Centinel 
James Jewall 
Samuel Davis 

John Shepard son to Danl Shepard 
Richard Rice 

Saml Farnsworth son to Saml Farns- 
worth 
Benja Harris 
Samuel Stow 
Uriah Holt 
Thomas Ross 
Daniel Power 
yohn Goodridge 
Joseph Pa^e 
Jona Willard 

Won Ind. servt to Joseph Mainer 
Benja Rugg 
yonas Fairbanks 
yohn Haywood 
Daniel Albert 



David Osgood 
Jona Pierson 
Edw. Pratt 
Jeremiah Belcher 
Saml Hardy 
Ro* Gray 
Thomas Bruce 
Jer. D. Belcher 
Joseph Woods 
Rob* Gray \bis'\ 
Hezekiah Fletcher 
Cyprian Stevens 
Jona Lilley 
Jona Temple 
Jona Richardson 
Walter Malone 
Joseph Bennet 
Benja Manning 
William Qurrin serv' 
John Shepley 
Isaac Parker 
Jona Hubbard 
Joseph Lakin 
Phineas Parker 
Eben*^ Blood 
Jon^ Borden 
John Lakin 
Isaac Woods 



* . 



•*^ . 7 >•■ •,••' 



-k • 



244 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



Richard WiUs 

Richard Gore 

Richard WOes \bis\ 

JoHah WUherby 

Andrew Watkins 

Henry Houghton 

John Wilder 

John Wilder Junr son of Thomas 
WUder 

Simon Atherion son of James Ath- 
erton 

Thomas Fairbanks son of Jabez Fair- 
banks 



Nattf Nutting 
Phineas Burt 
Stephen Boynton 
Eben' Jafts 
Jno. Grout 
Daniel Collins 
Robt Mears 
Josiah Corey 
Jona Fisk 
Lawrence Lacey 
John Nutting 
Daniel Kelsey 
Timothy Barron 



Names supposed to be of Lancaster are printed in italics. Residences are not 
given in the roll. Captain Josiah was brother of Captain Samuel Willard. He removed 
to Turkey Hills and became colonel in the French and Indian war. 




THE BOOK OF LANDS. 



ALL reports extant of the meetings of the proprietary 
before A. D. 17251 have been given in full on previous 
pages. The firist allotments, special grants, and successive 
divisions of commons, were registered in the Book of 
Lands. These v.duable records are continuous from 
April, 1656, — when Ralph Houghton was instructed by 
the Arbitrators to begin them, — to the laying out of the 
last of the common land in 1835. The title to all the real 
estate of Lancaster, Clinton, Bolton, Berlin, and much of 
that in Harvard, Boylston and Sterling, is founded upon 
ithese records. The original proprietors of the Nashaway 
plantation, with the single exception of John Prescott. had 
before the organization of 1653, abandoned, sold, or 
iby inaction lost their rights in the company. Of the fifty- 
five who signed the covenant before 1660, fifteen failed to 
fulfill its requirements, and their corporate rights thereby 
lapsed, while four names were added, making forty-four 
members of the Proprietary. This number was soon re- 
duced to forty by purchases. Among these forty men and 
successors Lancaster's original territory, less a few 
Special grants, was distiibuted. The first allotments each 
comprised twenty acres of upland styled the "house lot," 
Rnd twenty acres of intervale. The special grants were by 
way of inducement to persons desired as inhabitants, as 
rewards for particular services, as a "conveniency," or as 
allowance for highways, barren land, &c. The divisions 
bf common lands were made from time to time, to the num- 
ber of seven, each proprietor's share of the acreage dig- 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



tributed being proportionate to his original estate. Due 
regard was always paid to differences in value arising from 
situation and quality of soil, a well known field being fixed 
upon as a guide fur estimation in the last respect. Very 
generally the danger of prejudice in the distribution was 
eliminated by giving the final determination to lot. 

After the selection of the site whereon to plant the hearth- 
stone, the pioneers naturally sought the lands that could most 
easily be made to yield food for man and cattle. Daniel 
Neal, writing about A. D. 1700, of "The Present State of 
New England," tells us " The first Planters found the Grass 
in the Vallies above an ell in Height; and consequently 
pretty rank for want of cutting, but their cattle eat it and 
thrive very well with it." The broad and fertile intervales 
of the Nashaway doubtless formed a chief inducement to 
the setdement here at so early a date. The rank growth 
of natural grasses upon these comparatively treeless tracts 
furnished abundant fodder for the winter supply to the cat- 
tle, a matter of the greatest importance in those days, 
when starvation often threatened the planters stock if the 
deep snows belated the spring-tiine. The land of the 
earlier divisions consisted, for tliis reason, of intervale and 
meadow only, this latter designation being used in its older 
meaning, grass land. The swamps and wooded uplands 
obtained value as population increased. 

Transfers of land find no place in these records save as 
casually mentioned in descriptions, and — notwithstanding 
the law of October 19, 1652, defining the only legal convey- 
ance of real property to be by written deed and registry — 
until several years after the settlement of Lancaster, we find 
very few instances where the alienation of land was made 
matter of record. John Cowdali's sale of the Symonds & 
King trucking house site to John Prescott, in 1647, is found 
in the Suffolk Registry, but neither Lawrence Waters' 
transfer to John Hall, Hall's to Richard Smith, Smith's to 
John Tinker, Philip Knight's to Tinker, nor Tinker's to 



I 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



247 



Major Simon Willard and Thomas Wilder, can be found 
anywhere recorded. Very generally the pioneers made , 
their wills, and from these, and the settlement of estates, 
we obtain many facts useful in ascertainhig the outlines of 
home lots. The two maps inserted herewith are the out-, 
come of a diligent study of the Hook of Lands, the Mid- 
dlesex Probate Files, and the Registry of Deeds. In them 
will be found the results of an honest endeavor to correctly 
locate the homes of the earliest proprietons. While the 
editor makes no pretence that the property lines are laid 
down with the accuracy of a survey, he is not conscious of 
having evolved one of them from any self-satisfying sapi- 
ence of his own respecting the fitness of things, nor of 
having placed one merely to suit dubious tradition. Facts 
of record have fixed every starting point, and these will be 
as clearly set forth as economy of space will admit, in the 
proper places. 

It should be borne in mind that the early surveyors made 
very generous allowance for swag of chain, Inequality of 
ground, et ctetera, and that the conventional term "more or 
less," in old deeds rarely meant less. Swampy, rocky or 
undesirable "slips'" and "angles" of land were sometimes 
left between two lots in a range as common, or were given 
to abutters without measurement, As for example : the 
half home lot of Daniel Gains (who came after the first 
allotments had been made), "a peice of Land that was left 
by the Lolt of John Rugg and Goodman Kerly :" and the 
swamp between the lands of Thomas Joslin and his son 
Nathaniel, "the one half thereof belonging to Nathaniel 
Joslin by the town's Gift, and the other to his father." 

The plan of the present publication includes only the 
location of "first allotments." The original Book of 
Lands cannot be found, and the following extracts from 
the transcript made by Caleb Wilder about 1763, prove 
that he neither copied closely nor improved upon Ralph 
Houghton's orthography. He knew of no mark of punctu- 
ation but the colon. 




''■•■' -,' 



248 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



THE ESTATES OF THE FIRST INHABITANCE OF LAN- 
CASTER 

as thay are Entered in the old Book of Eateries by which the Lands in 
Lancaster are all diuided Exept the first Lotts of upland and first Lotts of 
Enteruail which was twenty acres Each Lott and the Rest of the Lands 
both upland [and] Enteruail was Diuided acording to thair Estates to witt 
four acres of meadow in Each deuision to a 100 pounds of Estate and 
acordingly for a Grater or Lesser Estate as entered below and ten acres 
in the second deuision of enteruail to euery 100 pounds of Estate and 
acordingly for a Grater or Less Estate and one pound of Estate draws one 
acre in euery deuision of upland Exept the first and fifth deuision and it is 
now the Seuenth deuision. 





/ 


s 


d 




/ X 


«/ 


John Prescutt 


366 


15 





Thomas Sawyer 


no 





William Carley Sen 


270 


00 





Edward Brick 


202 II 





Ralph Houghton 


264 


04 





William Carley Juner 


186 GO 





Edmond Parker 


98 


00 





John Moors 


no 00 





Thomas James 


36 


00 





William Lewis 


285 09 





John Johnson 


30 


00 





John farrah 


107 00 





John Smith 


58 


19 





Roger Sumner 


232 00 





James Atherton 


69 


5 





Jonas fairbanks 


172 00 





Robert Brick 


10 








Jacob farrah 


275 17 





John Rugg 


83 


10 





Richard Smith 


3^3 13 


10 


John Lewis 


18 


10 





Thomas Joslin 


210 00 





Henery Carley 


78 


4 





Thomas Wilder 


340 00 





Richard Linton 


90 








Stephen Gates 


314 00 





John Whitcomb Jun 


29 








John Whitcomb 


241 00 





Mordicai Mackload 


50 








Larrance Waters 


277 00 





John Rigbe 


50 








John Houghton 


250 00 





James Butler 


59 








Jeremiah Rogers 


310 00 





Daniel Gains 


50 








Gamaliel Beman 


210 00 





John White 


380 


06 


2 


John Tinker 


200 00 





Phillip Knight 


100 


00 





Joseph Rowlandson 


200 00 





John Roper 


100 


00 





Nathaniel Joslin 


15s 00 





Richard Wheeler 


300 


00 












THE NAMES OF THOSE THAT HAD 30 ACRE LOTTS 
GRANTED THEM BY THE TOWN AFTER THE SET- 
TELMENT OF THE TOWN. 



John Bush 
Samuel Bennitt 
James Frost 



John Priest 
Caleb Sawyer 
Jeremiah Willson 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 249 

William Hutson Josiah Wheeler 

John Hinds John Warner 

Jonathan Moore John Willard 
John Moors 

The reason of these special grants is not found in records. With a single exception 
they were laid out in the limits of Harvard and Bolton. 

THE LANDS OF EDWARD BRICKE IN THE FIRST DEUISION. 

House Lott, His house Lott upon which he builded his house Lyeth 
on the east Side the neke in that Range of Lx)tts it being the first Lott 
thare as it is Recorded in his Grant and it buts Eastardly upon penecooke 
Riuer and westward it buts upon a highway that goes to quasaponikin en- 
teniail and Southardly it is bounded by Sum Land that was Left for a 
hiway and Sence is Laid out for a Cuntrie highway by Concord men and 
it is bounded northardly by the Lott of Richard Linton now in the 
possion of Ralph Houghton and it is Laid out for twenty acres be it more 
or Less. 

enteruail Lott. more he hath this enteruail Lott Lying on the east side 
penicooke Riuer Lying at the north east end of Swans Swamp buting 
easterdly upon the meadow Lott of John Moore and partly upon the upland 
and westward it buts upon penecooke Riuer and it is bounded Southardly 
by a highway that goes through the Swans Swamp to the Commons and 
northardly it is bounded by the Lott of his son Robert Bricke and it Lyeth 
for twenty acres be it more or Less. 

Edward Breck came from Ashton, England. He was 
in Dorchester, 1636, was made freeman, 1639, and in 1645 
received a land grant on Smelt Brook conditioned upon 
his erection of a mill there. He became prominent in Dor- 
chester, being a selectman for several years both before 
and after his brief residence in Lancaster, which was per- 
haps shortened by the death of his wife in 1653. He died 
in 1662. His house here was upon the east end of his lot, 
which extended along the north side of the existing street, 
twenty rods in width, from the wading place in the, main 
river to the comer now occupied by Dr. J. L. S. Thomp- 
son. This land and house came by purchase into posses- 
sion of John Glazier, who came here from Woburn soon 
after the settlement, and died October, 1688. It remained 
in the ownership of the Glazier family until 1727, when 



250 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 

George Glazitr sold t( to Captain Samuel Willard, who is 
credited with having built the old mansion on this lot, now 
standing near the railroad crossing. 

THE lASDS OF ROBERT BRICK. 

iaujt Lott. his house LotI Lj-rth on the w«s( side the neck and on tbc 
East side the norl Kiuer butiog nstcriy upon a highway U»t Goes betwcn 
the two Ranges of Lotts and it buts weslerly upon the north Riucr and 
SouUurdly il is bounded by Sum Laud of Richard Linton nhearon he hath 
builded his house and nortbatdJy it is tMunded by the house Loci of John 
Whitcomb Sener and It Lyelh for twenty acors be it more or Less. 

Enteruitil Lj>lt . more he hath an enteruail Lon Lying on the easl side 
of penitook Riuer bulling easterly upon the meadow Lott of John Moore 
and westerly upon Penecook Riuer and It is bounded Southarly by the 
Lott of his &ther Edward Brick and northarly it Is bounded by the Lott of 
Raiph Houghton to Gether with a small quantity of Land the Grant whare- 
of is to be seen in the old town Book Lying betwen his proper Lott and 
the Lott of Ralph Houghton all Ljnng to him for his full due acording to 
his first Giani \a the enteruail be it more or Less. 

Recorded by me Rau-h Hoigmton Cltrk y* 2* of January 1666 

Robert Breck, the son of Edward, married Sat^h Hawk- 
ins in 1653. settled in Boston, and became a merchant — 
never occupying his lot in Lancaster, which was opposite 
llie public buildings- 

THE LANDS OF RALi'H HOUGHTON. 

hiippioll. The pp house Lott of Ralph Houghton is the third Lott 
in that Kang of upland Lotts Lying on the neck on the west side of peni- 
cook Riuer being bounded south by Richard Lintons Lott an north by the 
Lott where he bought of John Prescutl buting easterly upon Penicook 
Riuer and west upon that Rang of Lotis that Lyeth on the west side of the 
neck whare Goodman Whttcomb tjueth 

a Lott lu BougMi of Jakn PracMtl. hb house Lott which be bought of 
John Prescutt being the fourth Lott in the same Kang of Lotts bounded 
south by his own pp Lott and north by the Lott of James Allierton buting 
Easterly upon Penicook Riuer and west upon another Rang of Lotts that 
Lyes on the west side of the neck acording to the Record of Grants in the 
old town Book which Lotts being Eight Score Rods in Length and tweitly 
Rods wide : but now upon Exchange he stands possesied of the East end 



MASSACrtUSETTS. 1643-1725. 25 1 

of Richard Lintons Lott which is the second Lott in that Rang of Lotts 
and Lyes on the north side of Edward Bricks Lott which is the first Lott 
upon which he hath planted his house : in Lew whereof Richard Linton 
hath his twenty acres at the west end of his own and the two Lotts of 
Ralph Houghton as appears by a deed of Exchange betwext them Both 
the Lotts of the said Ralph Houghton being and Lying for twenty acres be 
thay more or Less thay being two home Lotts. 

his Enteruail Giuen him by the town. His enteruaile Lott which was 
Giuen him by the town lying on the East side of penicook Riuer being the 
third Lott in that Rang of Lotts wherein Edward Bricks Lott is the first 
Lying bounded by the Lott ot Robert Brick (so called in the old town 
Book) on the south side and north by the Lott of Ralph Houghton which 
he bought of John Prescutt buting east on the Still Riuer and west upon 
Penicook Riuer and Lyeth for twenty acres be it more or less. 

his enteruail he bought of John Prescutt. and his enteruail which he 
bought of John Prescutt Lyes bounded south by his own pp Lott which 
was Giuen him by the town and bounded north by James Athertons Lott 
buting Easterly upon the Still Riuer and west upon Penecook Riuer which 
is by Estemation and also by his deed of sale from John Prescutt fifty 
acres: 

Ralph Houghton was one of the four who first signed 
the Lancaster covenant, in 1652, coming here, it is said, 
from Watertown. He was then about twenty-nine years of 
age. Being the best penman of the pioneers, he was made 
clerk of records, and held that position until the massacre. 
He was admitted a freeman in 1668, and elected deputy in 
1673 and 1689. The date of his death is not found, but 
must have been after 1692, as in that year he, with wife 
Jane, transferred the northern half of his house lot to his 
son Joseph. His children were Ralph ; James ; Mary, 11, 
4*1653 ; John, 28, 2, 1655 ; Joseph, i, 5, 1657 ; Experience, 
I, 8, 1659 ; Sarah, 17, 12, 1661 ; Abigail, 15, 5, 1664 5 Han- 
nah, October 16, 1667. All but Ralph and James were 
born in Lancaster. John and Hannah died October, 1679, 
in Charlestown. Joseph Houghton sold his half of the 
homestead to John Glazier, and he sold it to Simon 
Stevens. 



AXSAMS OF UaCASTEX. 



THE lASBS OF PCHAKD USnOK 



wu kSMs iM ^ Rsk Ho^kMo. b Laftd J 
«lk«ac c^«f *e Lms «r LaOs ^ Ae sad' 
K^fc tli^HB b«jg*e hni* tf ^ tavLow^ k booaded East 
tf tte Mtf latSi S*^ hj Ik Lott ^ Ed^mi Oikk Mrth by Jantes 
Adotwalik I«Da^ wAhyikLaa tf)ak>WliHMbSaKr. Also 
■HKorL^ SfaaoES^^KblB D«c^b( hoMKMa StaMktb Cium 
IM I9 riK *Pn «irf artitaMs CaHM bii^M iwifc >«] «cst by the 
Civaid af Liw»-ti- Wtfes Mrtfc by Wafcai Badki Lou ao Buncd In 
tlmtma»BmAmdAtt^a ij im>iIj Mi«>i^ lj»<c aad beng n&ir to 
kit hoME L«(t afaneoii htmg fan ^^Hrf aad fan -iiMip neerc to the 
fa>a of a BB^^c 

xm Men or Lob K^Ofc at ife Saatfc «ad ■( yoaifaliii in the man- 
er Md fam ol « Iriii^ bovded faj ike aoiA Raacr Kmsnk the north 
iIk mfciaJ i gf Joka WUtamb l u a ^d^ ike Nvtk aad Sonthvani bj his 



In September. 16^5, Richard Linton deeded his house 
and lot in Waterlown Vo Robcn Sondersoo. About that 
date, or perhaps earlier, he and his sonnD-Jaw. Lawrence 
Waters, began life with their tamiUes upon the Nashavvay, 
having beea induced by the first proprietors lo undertake 
the task of preparing the way fur further settlement. He 
died March 30, 1665. and by his will it would seem that 
his wife Elizabeth outlived him. His house sttxd upon the 
west wde of the present street, somewhere between the 
residences of Miss Levantia Bradley and Henry M. Lath- 
am, but he owned the land along the opposite side of the 
way for Mxty rods, including the ground upon which the 
public buildings stand. His daughter, Anne Waters, re- 
ceived ten acres of this in trust for his grandson, Joseph 
Waters. The other lands he left lo another grandson, 
George Bennett, who being slain in the massacre August 
22, 1675, Samuel Bennet, his son, succecdt:d to possession. 

THE LANDS OF JAMES .ATHERTO.V. 

Hottst LoH His upland Lolt for a house Lon Lyeth on Ihe east sldt 

the neck buting easterdly on pcnictmk Riuer and westerly it IhiIs upon 1 



i 




MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



253 



another Rang of Lotts that Lyelh on Ihe west side the neck and it is 
bounded Southerly by ilie Loit of Ralph Houghton and northardly by the 
Lott of John While Lying for twenty acres be it more or Less. 

Enternail Lofl More he hath an enteruailc Lott Lying on the cast side 
of penicook Riuer buting caslerdly upon sum part of the Kosokio meadow 
and weslardly upon penicook Riuer and Southardly it is bounded by the 
Lott of Ralph Houghton and at tlie west end of it by the high way that 
Runs sloping threw the Lott that goes to the meadows and northardly it 
is bounded by the Lott of John White and it Lyeth for twenty acres be it 

James Atherlon came here from Dorchester with wife 
Hannah. He is thought to have been a brother of Major 
Gent'tal Humphrey Athertnn. In Lancaster children were 
born to him as follows : James, 1654 ; Joshua, 1656 ; Han- 
nah, 1657 ; Mary, 1660; Elizabeth, 1666 ; Deborah, 1669 ; 
Joseph. 1672, In 1697, being then of Milton, he conveyed 
his land in Lancaster to his eldest son James, Jr. In 1703 
the eastern part of the home lot is found in possession of 
Joseph Wheelock, he having purchased it from Isaac Tem- 
ple of Marlborough, The western portion had been 
bought by William Divoll. James and James, Jr., were 
then resident near Bare Hill, and Joshua near Still River 
in Harvard. James, the father, died at Sherborn in 1707, 
aged 84 years. The highway from the brick store east to 
the neck road probably lies on the south side of the Ather- 
ton lot. 

JOHN WHITE'S LANDS. 
No record of John White's first allotment is found in the 
Book of Lands, though this is probably an omission of the 
copyist. We know, however, that the house lot j'oined 
Atherton's, and that his house stood upon the east end of 
it. Direct descendants have resided upon the land until 
modern days, and perhaps the first settler's home was on 
or quite near the site of Edward Houghton's residence. 
Goodman White, however, owned the land across the high- 
way, bounding upon the river. He came here from Salem, 
where he was admitted an inhabitant in 1639, and had an 



1 



254 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



estate in what is now Wenham, upon which his eldest sou, 
Thomas, remained. He brought with him to Lancaster 
his wife Joanna, a son Josiah, Elizabeth, who married 
Henry Kcrlcy November 2, 1654, Mary, wife of the Rev- 
erend Joseph Rowlandson, and Hannah, who married John 
Divcill in 1663, He had also mamed daughters Joanna 
and Sarah. His wife died in 1654. Hannah, the young- 
est daughter, we learn from his will, was " a nurse to him 
in his old age," and the Lancaster estate was bequeathed 
to her and her brother Josiah. John White died in the 
spring of 1673, his will being signed March 10, and offered 
for probate May 28th of tliat year. His son Josiah died 
November 11, 1714. The famous Indian fighter. Captain 
John While, was son of Josiah. 

THE LANDS OF WILLIAM LEWIS 

house Lett. Iiis upland Lott for a house LoH Lying in that Rang of 
Lotts on the west sitle penieook Riuer on Ihe neck and it is hounded 
southwardly by the Ijjii of John While and norlhardly it is bounded by 
the Lott of John Lewejs his son and Kasterdly It buls upon Ihe said peni- 
cook Riuer and westardjy it buts upon an other Range of Lotts that was 
Laid on the west side the neck a high way Running Cross the Lott near 
the east end of it to quasaponikin hill and It Lyelh for twenty acres be it 
more or Less 

hii euleruail Lott. More he hath his enteruail Lolt Lying on the esst 
side penecook Riuer and it Lyeth Ijoundcd southardiy by the Lotl of John 
White northardly by the Lolt of John Leweis and it buts castcrdly upon 
part of the liasokie meadow and wej^tardly it buts upon penicook Riuer a 
high way Runing through it to the meadows and other Lands below it 
which is allowed for in meashuring the Lntl Laid out for twenty acres be it 

William Lewis was of Roxbury, where he was made 
freeman in 1642. His children were John, bom in Eng- 
land, 1635; Christopher, 1636; Lydia. born in Roxbury, 
1639; Josiah. 164 1 ; Isaac. 1644; Mary, 1646; and Han- 
nah, 1649, He deeded to his son Christopher the eastern 
half of his home lot. April 19, 1662. He died 1671, loth 



I 



i 
I 



month, 3d day, leaving by will his house and land to his 
wile Anne and son Isaac. Mary became the wife of Josiah 
While. Lydia married Mordecai MacLoud. 



THE LANDS OF JOHN LEWEIS 

Houit IMt. his upland Lett for a house Lott Lyeth in that Rang of 
Lolls on the east side the neck buting Easterdly upon penicook Riuer and 
wostardly it buts upon a Rang of Lolts thai Lyelh on the west side the 
neck and it is bounded southardly by the Lott of William Leweis his &ther 
and norlhardly it is bounded by the Lott of Thomas James a higli way of 
5 Rods Runing Crosse it near the east end of it to quasaponikin hill and It 
Lyeth for twenty acors be it tnore or Less. 

tHieriiaU Lott. more he hath his eniuniail Lott Lying on the east side 
of penicook Riuer bounding Southardly by the Lott of William Leweis his 
father and norihardly it is bounded by the Lott of Thomas James and it 
buts eaalerdly upon sum part of the hosokie meadow Liking in sum swamppy 
land their for his Conuenicncie in the 3 deuision and also for allowance for 
the highway that Runs Sloping through his Lott. and westardly it buls 
upon penecook Riuer and it is Laid out to him for twenty acres be it more 

John Lewis, son of William, had by wife Hannah chil- 
dren born in Lancaster, as follows : Barrachia, 1663 ; Re- 
beccah, 1665 ; Patience, 166S; Jolin, 1671 ; William, 1673. 
At the massacre he removed to Dorchester, where were born 
Hannah, 1678; Thankful, 1680; and Judith. He built a 
house in Dorchester in 1679, and was living there in 1687, 
whence it may be inferred that he did not return to Lancas- 
ter. Josiah White obtained the Lewis lands. 

THE LANDS OF THOMAS JAMES 

hU House Lott. the house Lott of Thomas James Containing twenty 
acors is ihe ninth Lott Lying on the neck of Lind on the west side of peni- 
cook Riuer buting east upon the Riuer and west upon another Rang of 
Lotts that Lyeth on the west side of the neck bounding south by Ihe Lott 
of John Leweis and north by the Loll of Edmon parker being eight Score 
Rods in Length and twenty Rods wide and Lyes for twenty acres be it 
more or Less a high way of fine Rods wide Runing ouer Crosse ii to 
quosaponikin hill near about the mide! of the Lott. 

his entiruail His enteruail is also the ninth Lott Lying on the east 
side of penicook Riuer being Eight Score Rods in Length and twenty 




bs6 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



I 



Rods wide and Lyeth for tweniy acres be it more or Less buling east upon 
t highway that goes lo ihe plumtrces and to the meadows and enleruaik 
md buting west on penicook Riuer bounded Soulh by tho Lot! of John 
Wilis and north by the Loll of Edmund Parker. 

Thomas James had a wife Elizabeth, and a son John 
born in Charlestown, i8. .11. .1632. He left his property 
Q Lancaster to his cousins, the Lewises, and Christopher 
Lewis sold the east end of the house lot, between the river 
and the highway, to Josiah While, in 1705. Thomas 
James died March 15, 1660. 

EDMUND PARKER'S LANDS. 

The copyist of the Book of Lands has omitted Edmund 
Parker's estate from the records. His house lot was be- 
tween that of Thomas James and John Farrar's, and of the 
same extent as theirs. Edmund Parker came here from 
Roxbury with wife Elizabeth [Howe], and children Eliza- 
beth, born 1649, and Abraham, born 1652, There were 
born to him here Mary and Esther. 1654, and Deborah, 
1655. The wife died June 9, 1657. Ralph Houghton has 
left us a very unflattering account of the family, which can 
be found in previous pages. They disappear from Lan- 
caster at the massacre, returning to Roxbury. In Parker's 
will, dated Roxbury, April 13, 1692, he mentions all the 
children above named, and makes his "trusty & well he- 
loved Friends John Moore and Thomas Wilder Liuet. both 
of Nashaway whole and sole executors." He probably 
died early in 1694. as his inventory is dated May 28th of 
that year. By the will Josiah White was to have the east- 
ern part of the home lot at appraisal. The executors were 
to sell the rest, 

I THE LANDS OF JACOB FARRAH THAT HE BOUGHT OF 

JOHN FARRAH 

Ais house Lott. and he hath also a house Lott which he had from his 

■ brother John farrah Giuen by him and ConArmed and Rattified by the town 

VWhich Lott Lyeth on the Neck on the west side of penicook Riuer budng 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



25? 



east upon the said Riuer and west upon aaother Rang of Lotts that Lyes 
.t side of tlie neck bounded South by the Lott of Edmon parker 
and north by the Lolt of Roger Sumner at the west end and by the Com- 
t end and by sid Land of Jeremiah Rogers which Lott 
being Eight Scoore Rods Long and twenty Rods wide and Lycth for 
twenty acres be it more or Less 

The Farrar brothers were from Lancashire. John, after 
a brief stay here, went to Woburn. where ht; was admitted 
an inhabitant in 1656, and there died "very old," in 1690. 
John Houghton and wife Mary [Farrar] transferred the 
above house lot to George Glazier in March, 1706. 

THE LANDS OF ROGER SUMNER. 

kin house lj>tt. The house Lott of Roger Suniner Lyeth on the neclt 
bounded South by the Lott of Jacob farrer north by a high way betwen it 
and the house Lott of Gamaliel llcman eastward by the high way that 
Goes 10 quosaponiliin liill and west by !|a] parcel of upland Giuen to his 
father in Law Thoma,s Juslin the said house Lott being laid out for twenty 
acres be it more or Less- 

hU etUefuail Lett his enteruail Lott Lyeth at quosaponikin contains 
more or Less twenty acres Southai'dly bounded by the Lolt of Nathaniel 
Joslin northardly i)y Gamaliel Beman westerdly by the North Riuer easterly 
on llie high way Runing belwen It and the meadow. 

Deacon Roger Sumner, the son of William, bom in 
England, came here from Dorchester, where he had been 
made freeman in 1657. He was a member of the church, 
and August 26, 1660. was dismissed in order that he might 
assist in organizing a church at Lancaster. His wife was 
Mary, daughter of Thomas Joslin. Their children were 
Abigail, 1657 ; Samuel, 1659; Waitslill, 1661 ; Mary, 
1665 ; Jaazoniah, 1668; Rebecca, 167 1 ; William, 1673; 
Ebenezer, 1678. Deacon Sumner left Lancaster at the 
time of the massacre, returning to Dorchester. He died 
in Milton. May 26, 1698, aged sixty-six years. The house 
lot above described extended along the south side of the 
highway that leads west from Lane's Crossing. The land 
rights of Roger Sumner were purchased of his sons Wil- 
liam and Samuel by the brothers Edmund and Ebenezer 



258 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

■ Harris, who came to Lancaster from Sudbury about 1708. 

THE LANDS OF JEREMIAH ROGERS 

House Loll, liis house Lott Lying on ihc neck on Ilie east Side thare A 
of near to a Brook that we pnss oucr to go to qu^'niponikin liill their being ' 
ten acors or tharc abouts Lpng bonniled SoUthardly by the Loll of Jacob 
furrah and northaiidlj' by sum Common Land whicli since was Laid 
him for Second deuision and westerdly ii is bounded by the highway that 
goes to quosaponikin hill and eastcrdly it is Ixiunded by a Swamp that i 
Lyech betwen the Slated Common and it and he hath ten acres more or j 
their abouts Lying at the South end of a peice of Land called Pine hilt • 
bounded norlhardly by the said pine hill and Southardly it is bounded 
partly by the house Lott of Jacob farrar and jjartly by sum enteruail Land 
of his own and easterdly it buts partly upon Pcneeook Riuer and partly 
iipon his own eniemail Land and westerdly it buls upcm the staled Com- 
mon called Umber plain both the aforsaid pcrcells of Land is Laid out J 
unlo the said Jeremiah Rogers for 20 acres be it more or Less. 

enleruail. His Lott of entcruail as it was Granted by the town and ' 
Laid out in two pieces one peice whereof Lyeth near to a pcice of Land 
called pine hill bounded northward by sum part of his own house Loll 
that Lyeth betwen it and the said pine hill and southardly il is luHindcd 
by sum enteruai! Land of Jacob farrars that Lyelh at the end of his home 
Lott and easterdly it buts upon penicook Riuer ouer agailist an Indcn w 
Called Jame;ies ware and westerdly It buts upon sum part of his own I 
house Lott there being fix acors or there abouts and another jiart ihareof \ 
Lying in the outermust side of the Sound Land at quosaponikin entcruail 
and Lyeth bounded Southerly by the Lott of Gamaliel Iteman and norlh- 
ardly by a high pine hill and it buls weslardly upon the North Riuer and 
Easterly upon a high way that Leads into the euteruail swamp that is 
Laid out for second tleuision this benig fourteen acres or thare atrauls both 
which parcels of entcruail are Laid out to the said Jeremiah Rogers for 
twenty acres be It more or Less. 

Jeremiah Rogers was from Dorchester, At the massa- 
cre he returned thiiher, and there died September 26, 1676, 
leaving a widow. Ablah, who, with two daughters, Abigail 
and Balhsheba, died of small-pox in March, 1678. His 
children were Margaret, 1653 ; Ichabnd. 1659 ; Hittabel, 
1662 ; Jehosaphat, 1663 ; Abiah, 1664 ; Bathsheba, 1667; 
Israel, 1671 ; Susanna. 167^'^ ; also Jeremiah, Abigail 
and Sarah, the dates of whose births are not found. 
The Rogers hou^e lot is cut in twain by the old turnpike, 



t 




MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735. 



259 



and included the upper brick yard of Samuel R. Damon, 
the Anthony Lane homestead, and the lands of Emoryf 
White. May 12, 1710, Jtremiah Rogers of Salem, wheel- 
wright, and Jehosaphat Rogers of Topsfield. tailor, sold 
their father's lands to Edward Phelps, weaver, from An- 
dover. Rogers had sold, in 166,;. one hundrt'd acres of 
his outlying land to Henry Kimball, a blacksmith of Boston. 



THE LANDS OF GAMALIEL BEMAN 
House Lett His house Lolt being ne.\r utito Quosnpontkin Brook 
bounded by Sum Common Land that sence wa.s Laid out to himself for 
seconil deuision on the north side of it and South It is bounded bya higli- 
way that Lj-eth betwen the Lotl of Ruger Sumner and it buts easlerdly 
upon a high way that Goes lo quosapomkin hill the southeast corner 
of it and at the northeast Corner it huts upon Sum Land Laid out to 
nalhaniel Josllu and Roger Sumner for second deuision and it buts west- 
ardly upon Sum Comon L.tnd Laid out to himself for second deuision 
Lying for twenty acors be it more or Less. 

hh enter uail l-oti- His enttruaile Lott Lyeth at quosaponilan Inler- 
uail buting west upon the North Riuer and east upqn sum swampy brushey 
Ground that Lyelh between sum meadow of Stephen Gales and this Lotl 
a hignway Runing at the eand of it bounded Souihardty by the Lot of 
Roger Sumner and north by the Lotl of Jeremiah Rogers and Lyelh for 
twenty acres be it more or Less. 

Gamaliel Beaman came from England in the -Elizabeth 
and Ann. A. D. 1635, and settled in Dorchester. In 1659, 
being then thirty-six years old, he came to Lancaster, 
bringing a large family. At the time of the massacre he 
returned to Dorchester and there died March 23, 1678. 
An indication of their poverty at this date is the fact that 
the tax-ratea of Gamaliel, Sen., Gamaliel Jr.. John and 
Thomas Beaman are set down in the Dorchester Records 
as "Desperate Debts." The Beamans were among the first to 
return to Lancaster upon its re-settlement. John and Gam- 
aliel set up new houses on their father's lands at Wataqua- 
dock. John, Jr. , lived upon the old homestead on the neck. 
The children of Gamaliel, Sen., and Sarah (Clark) Bea- 
lan were John, 1649; Joseph, 165 1 ; Gamaliel, 1653; 



26o 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



Thomas, 1654; Mary, 1656; Sarah, 1658 — all born before ] 
the family came from Dorchester ; and Noah. 1661 : Thanlt- 
fuli 1663; Mehitabel, 1667, born in Lancaster. John 
Seaman's headstone in the old burial ground records that 
he died 1740. aged ninety years. His son Gamaliel, bom 
in 1684, was the first settler in Woonlcsechocksett, now 
Sterling. Thankful m.lrried Nathaniel Wilson who, in 
1694, sold to William Sheafe Gamaliel Seaman's "house 
and lot in Lancaster." 



THE LANDS OF LAWRENCE WATERS 

his houst Lolt. The house \ja\i of Lawrence Waters part whareof Lies 
in that feild Ite hath enclosed by his house their being six acors and half 
and nine acors of enteruail in that feild butting south upoo the high way 
lliat Lyes between the Carting place in the north Riuer aod it bounds 
north upon the Lolt or orchard of Richard Linton and upon the Lott of 
Robert Brick and bounded east by a highway that Goes 10 quasaponikin 
meadows and west and south west by the North Riuer upon which he hath 
planted his house garden and orchard both which persels of upland and 
Enteruail being parte of his house Lott and enteruail Lott more he halh 
a part of his upland Lott Lying ou the east side of the Swans Swamp 
being about thirteen acres and half or thare abouts : bounded South by a 
brook and north by a hill at the side of the pine plain and west by the 
Swans Swamp and buting east upon a Liltel Corner of a plaine: 

kis tnleruail Lott More he hath eleuen acres of enteruaile Lying on ibe 
east side of Penicook Riuer butting east upon the high way that Goes to 
the Plumtrees and west upon the Riuer It L3'es bounded South by sum 
common enteniail Rcserued for a lott and north by sum enteruail that was 
sum time Laid out for a Lott to Goodman Wilder: all which parci^ls of 
upland and enteniuil Lying for his upland l^lt and enteruail Lolt and 
Lying for fourtie acres be Ihay more or Less. 

Lawxence Waters, a carpenter of Waterlown, was one 
of three sent up, in 1645, by the grantees of the Nashaway 
Plantation, to make suitable preparation for their own com- 
ing. Sy his wife Ann Linton he had six children born in 
Watertown : Lawrence, Feb. 14. 1635; Sarah. Dec. 7. 
1636; Mary, Jan. 27, 1638: Rebecca, February. 164O; 
Daniel, Feb. 6, 1642; Stephen, Jan. 24, 1643: and the 
following born in Lancaster: Adam. 1645 (?); Joseph, 




April 29, 1647 ; Jacob and Rachel, March i, 1649; Sam- 
*tiri. Feb. 14, 1651; Joanna, March 26, 1653; Ephraim. 
Jan. 27, 1655. The proprietors assigned him a lot upon 
which he built a house, probably the second building 
erecttd by white men in Lancaster, (the trucking house on 
George Hill being the first). This hfiuse was situated in 
the grounds now uwned by Caleb;Symme8, Esq. Waters, 
before 1650, had sold his home' to John Hall, and it became 
the property successively of Richard Smith, John Tinker, 
Major Simon Willard, Cyprian Stevens, and Simon Stev- 
ens, Waters removed but a few rods, building on the lot 
above described, the chief portion of which is now the 
homestead of S. J. S. Vose, Esq. He became a freeman 
in 1663. After the massacre of 1676. we find him with his 
wife, and Samuel with his wife and two children, seeking 
shelter in Charlestown, where Stephen became responsible 
to the authorities for them. Lawrence Waters was then 
blind. He died December 9th, 1687, in Charlestown, aged 
about eighty-live years, outliving his wife seven years. 
Joseph Waters came back in 1679, and occupied part of 
his father's and grandfather's lands. In the distribution of 
the estate of Lieutenant Nathaniel Wilder, in 1709, there 
was given to Oliver, the youngest son, "upland ;ind Inter- 
val where Lawrence Waters formerly Dwelt about fifteen 
acres,'' and the inventory shows that it had been bought of 
John Skeath, the husband of Waters' oldest daughter, 
Sarah. In 1714, Simon Stevens, whose wife was Mary, 
daughter of Lieutenant Nathaniel Wilder, sold to Hooker 
Osgood " Lawrence Waters' lot on the Neck bounded 
southerly and easterly by y'' Highway, west and south west 
by the River." Adam Waters, perhaps the first born of 
English parents in Lancaster, in 1663 bought John Smith's 
tot upon George Hill. He died 1670, at Charlestown. 

THE LANDS OF MASTER JOHN TINKER 

t bought of Richard Smith. His house Lott which he 
d Smith is a Lott that Lyeth by it Self and Lyes Iwunded 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



South by the North Riuerand butseast upon a peice of Enteruait Called the 
night paustcr and west upon ihe high way that Goes from the Bridge by 
goodman Waieises la quasapODikiD ninadows and it is bounded north by 
the Counlie highway that goes allong from Goodman Waterses to Peni- 
cook Riuer it being first a home Lott Giuen by those that first had lo do 
with the place to Goodman Waters aod he built a house upoo it and sold 
it to Goodman hall whose wife sold it to Richard Smith the said Goodman 
hall being in England and sending for his wife which Lutt Lar for twenty 
acres but upon exact mesur acordtng to Ltbertie Granted by a town order 
Recorded in the old town book it was found lo be but Seuenteen acres 
which is made up with and by a peice of Land Lying on the east side of 
the North Riuer bounded east by a hill of upland and west by the North 
Riuer butting soulh upon the Loll of Thomas Joslin and north also upon 
sum eoieruail of ihomas Joslia 

Ais eniiruail Lott he bought of Richard Smith, and the enieruail Lott 
he bought of Richard Smith lycth on the east side of penicook Riuer at 
ihe meeting of the Riuers butting west upon Ihe Riuer and east upon the 
upland on the cast side of the still Kiuer and bounded south by John 
Ru^s Loll and north by John Rigbes Lott, which Lott was Laid out to 
Richard Smith for twenty acres 

his iKiitt house Lett at GibsoH hill. His own upland Lott Giuen him by 
the town is known by the name of Gibson hill which is twenty acore of 
upland \yt it more or Less bounded by a streai or highway west that goes 
betwixt two Ranges of Lolls and butting east upon the Commons bound- 
ed south by the house Lott of John Moors and north by the meadoW that 
is Master Rowlandsons. 

his enteruail. His enieruail Lott tea acorsofit Lying on the west ude 
of the North Riuer butting cast upon the Riuer and west upon Sum Com- 
mon upland tliat Lyes by or near to the house of William Kerley Jun 
bounded southardly by the Loit [of] goodman Hrescutt that was Giuen 
him for bulding a Corn mill and north by ifae Lott of John Johnson: and 
ten acors of which Lies on the West Side of the Still Riuer buling east 
upon the Riuer and west upon the Lotls of John l^weis and Ihomas James 
botindcd South by a high way that Goes to the meadows and to the ponds 
and north by a Swamp or Swampy Ground in which thare Lies a peice of 
meadow of Jatnes Atherlons and in which Lott of enieruail there Lies a 
Spung of meadow Lotted out to Goodman Smith and James Atherton. 

John Tinker was of Windsor, Connecticut, in 1643, 1 
\vbenc<; he came to Boston, where we tind him living in a 
hired house, 1651. In 1653 he appeared before the Mid- 
dlesex Court as attorney Tor the defendant, in the case of 1 
" Hernaon Garret & John Shawe vs. John Hall, for taking 



I 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735. 



263 



away pari of theire night pasture fence," and won for his 
clients. In 165^, Tinker was made freeman, and the next 
year joined the petitioners for "Groiiteii a new plantacon . . 
formerly knowne by t!ie name of Petapawag," and in the 
grant was appointed one of the seltctmen. For a year or 
two thereafter he seems to be wavering in his choice of 
residence between Lancaster and Groton, until perhaps the 
town's gift of Gibson Hill decided him. He was at this time 
and afterwards an Indian trader, buying beaver, otter and 
other furs, then abundant in the region about, from the 
native hunters. What manner of exchange he paid for 
them other than peage or wampum and "trucking cloth," 
we may imagine, for the Court records show that in 1655 
be was fined ten shillings "for selling now & then a gill of 
strong waters to y'' Indians," contrary to the law of 1654, 
which imposed a fine of twenty shillings for each pint so 
sold by persons not specially licensed. The original duly 
witnessed notes of hand exist which show that prominent 
men of the Nasliaway tribe became so deeply indebted to 
him as to mortgage the prospective gains of two hunting sea- 
sons for payment. In 1658 he was licensed as trader "of 
Nashaway & Groaten for y" year," paying eight pounds for 
the privilege. The "Mr." prefixed to his name assures us 
that he was either a graduate of some university, or had 
occupied high social rank in England- Only he and Rev- 
erend Joseph Rowlandson, in Lancaster, were dignified 
witli this title before the coming of Major Simon Willard. 

Master Tinker was probably yet a young man when in 
September, 1657, the commissioners appointed to order the 
affairs of Lancaster placed his name first in the list of five 
men chosen to manage the prudentials of the town. His 
wife Alice was then twenty-seven years old, and of his two 
children, Mary and John, the oldest was four years of age. 
Tlie town had given him twenty acres in a central and de- 
sirable position, known as Gibson's Hill. He purchased of 
Richard Smith the original house and lot of Lawrence 



»64 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 




Waters, and of Philip Knight the house and lot next to \ 
Prescott's home on the slope of George Hill. Two soas 1 
were born lo him, Amos and Samuel, and he was prosper- 
ous, and honored of his neighbors; but through failure of I 
health, or because the field proved too limited for his [ 
abundant ability and ambition, the town was soon to lose 
his valuable services. In the Court files of Middlesex is ' 
this undated letter, probably of the winter 165S : 

7'ir the hona"' County Court at Charht<r.viie. 

Right Wor'II be pleased lo underataad ihal the Lord halh visited mc 
of late with 3 fitts of sikneas one after another uppon my jornies to and fro. 
sine which I have bin very tender & have not atained my perfect helth to 
travell this sharpe winter season, wherefore intreat though I am one of the 
Grand iury that I may be excused for this prcasent and 1 shalbe redy at 
the pleasure of this hon"" Court to doe the best service I can for y* County 
and shall thankfully abide with my duty presented 

VoVdevoted humble servant Jso. Tinker 

Before the year 1659 he had removed to Pequid, now 
New London, and was there winning respect and distinc- 
tion. The next year he wa,s deputy to the general court, 
and became assistant. The court licensed him to distill 
and retail liquors, and gave him complete monopoly of the 
trade in the township. Being on the road to wealth and 
fame, he died in October, 1662. The public esteem for 
him is shown by the fact that the expenses of his illness 
and funeral were paid from the State treasury. Major 
Simon Willard obtained possession of his Lancaster prop- 
erty, above described. 



the: lands of john whitcomb sener 

home Lott. his house Lott Giuen and Granted by the town Lycth on 
the west side fof the] neck being twenty acors bounded [south] by the 
Lott of Robert Brick and north by the Loti of his son John Whitcomb 
buting east upon the Lotts that Ly upon the east aide tlte neck and bul- 
tlnit we»( u|>on his enteruail a high way Kuning Cross it to quasaponikio 
cnlcruail. 

EnleruaH IMt. Aand his enteruail Lott part of it Lying on the east 
aide the North Riuer iharc being by Estimation about (ifieen acors and 




643-17'S- 



a half bounded west by the North Rtuer and east by bis upland Lott bal- 
ing South upon the Loll of Robert Brick that v/ns Granted him by Ihe 
(own and butting north upon the cnteruail lj3tt of his son John Whilcomb : 
nine acors of enteruail at quasaponikin belwen his son John Whitcomb 
and him either of Ihum hauing an Equal! pportion that is either four 
acors and half but it was nol diuided between them when it was Laid out 
the whole being bounded southardly bj^ a high way that Goes between the 
me.idow l.olt of Ralph Houghton and it and it is bounded north by a 
Lott of Stephen Gates and westardly by the North Riuer and nouth west by 
a Loit ot Richard Linton this four acres and half makes up ihe other fifteen 
and half his full Lott of twenty acors acordlng lo the town Grant but 
acording to Liberty Granted by a. town order the fifteen acres and half 
exactly meashuered it was found to be but fourteen acres and half and so 
it is an acre wanting which is Laid out together with his second deuision 
of cnteruail. 

John "Whetcomb" — as the name is always spelled in our 
earliest records — was of Dorchester in the year 1635, but 
removed to Scituale in 1644, and to Lancaster in 1652. 
He died September 34, 1662, leaving a wife Frances, who 
survived until 1671. His children were John, Jonathan, 
Job, Josiah, Robert, Catherine, Abigail and Mary, all born 
before the coming of the family to Lancaster. John Whit- 
comb died intestate, and the widow and children mutually 
agreed upon a division of the property, which was approved 
by the Court. By the inventory it is shown that the chief 
products of the farm in 1662 were corn, tobacco and flax. 
The present post-office and bank building are probably 
upon the Whitcomb lands. Both Ihe father's and son's 
house lots extended across the street eastward, meeting the 
other range of lots upon the neck. 

THE LANDS OF JOHN WHITCOMB JUNER 
Ms keiise LdU his house Lott being twenty acors Lying on the west 
side the neck Lying Bounded South by his father his Lott and north by 
the Lott of Stephen Gates butting west upon his own enteruail Lott and 
east upon the end of the Lolts of the Inhabitance that Line on the east 
side the neck It being by Estimation twenty acres be it more or Less 

entiruail Lott His enteruail Lott lying on the east side the north 
Riuer part of it their being about fifteen acors and a half bounded south 
by his Others enteruail and north by the Lott of Stephen Gates butting 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 




easterly upon his own upland Lott aati westerly upon ihe north Riiier ami 
four acors and half Lying at quasaponikln entcrujil Lying in Common 
with 4 acres and half of his fathers 

In the division of the estate of John Whitcomb, senior, 
liis hoiut; lot was assigned to John and Jonathan jointly, 
and tilt; house lot whiuli had been John's was allotted to tlie 
youngest sons. Job and Josiah. Job did not return at the 
re-settlement of the town, but followed the Reverend Joseph 
Kowlandson to Wethersfield, Robert settled in Scituate. 
John and Jonathan, April 7, 1683, were conveying hay 
across the Penecook upon two canoes, when by the boats 
sinking the former was drowned. He left a widow Mary 
and two daughters, Ruth and Sarah. Ruth married Wil- 
liam Divoll. Jonathan Whitcomb died in 1690, and his 
widow, Hannah, was killed by the Indians two years later. 
Their children were Hannah, 1668 ; Jonathan, 1669 ; Han- 
nah, 2d, 1671: Abigail, 1674 ; Elizabeth; Mary: Kalht;r- 
ine ; Ruth ; John. 1684. Jonathan inherited the home 
estate, and in 1696. with his cousins William DivotI and 
Sarah Whitcomb, entered into a mutual agreement whereby 
the whole Whitcomb estate was divided by east and west 
lines, upon both sides of the highway, into tliree equal 
divisions, each abutit twenty-two rods in width. Josiah 
Whitcomb married Rebecca Waters and set up his home 
in the southeast part of what is now Bolton. His children 
were Josiah, 1665 ; David, 1668 ; Rebecca, 1671 ; Johanna, 
1673; Mary; Oamaris; Abigail; Hezekiah. 1681 ; Debo- 
rah, 16S3. He died April 12, 1718. 

The original lot of John Whitcomb, junior, assigned in 
the agreement mentioned above to Job and Josiah, was by 
them sold to John Moore, senior. He dying in i7o3, Ben- 
jamin Bellows, his administrator, sold it to Josiah White, 
who, July, 1708, transferred it to John Bowers, describing 
it as "bounded Northerly by Peter Joslin, southerly by 
William Divoll, west by the River, easterly by another . 
range of Lotts, a highway crossing said Land near the j 




MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 267 

Dwelling house, also all other housing, fencing, /brtifica- 
tions^ orchard garden &c." A very old headstone in the 
first burial ground is inscribed "John Bowars," and upon 
its footstone is '*D : 1718." John was the grandson of Benan- 
uel Bowers, bom 16S6, and married Elizabeth Stevens of 
Lancaster, November 17, 1707. His children were Eliza- 
beth, John, Mary and Nathaniel. The inventory of his 
estate amounts to 436 pounds 11 shillings, and from one 
item in it we derive the estimated value in 17 18 of a chat- 
tel somewhat rare in Lancaster : ''one bought servant \<)Sr. 

THE LANDS OF STEPHEN GATES. 

his house Ijott. The bouse Lx>tt of Stephen Gates : is on the neck Ly- 
ing north to the house lx>tt of John Whitcomb Juner bounded by the 
saaid Lott of John Whitcomb south by the house Lott of Nathaniel Joslln 
north by a Rang of Lotts Easterly which Lyeth on the west side of Peal- 
cook Riuer and westward by a peice oi enteruail of his own nigh adioining 
to the North Riuer the said house Lott being Laid out for twenty acors 
more or Less : 

enieruail Loti. His enteruail Lott Containing more or Le» twenty 
acors partly Lyeth in one peice at quasaprjnikin thirteen acors more or 
Less bounded soathardly [by a piece] of enteruail of John \V'hiux»s:bs 
northaidly [by the lot] of Mordica Maclode west by the North R:-i er ^asid 
east] by sum meadow of Edward Brick and 'seven acre*^ more or Lca% 
lyeth betwen his house loott and the N'^^rth Riuer bo'azsdec is Like 
maner by Naihawiel Jos'ins Lott north and John Whlrcooib^ v>:.ib z^ 
house Lott [east and] said Riuer west 

He hath hi* Second deuision of ^:pIaAd Lying to the o: h'.% sin.— ;/ 

meadow a considerable part of a pond Lving niir,::. :h* *.i l^zti. L io^-it-t-i 
on all the sides of it bv 0>3i:r»3 '.iz^i'iidtd LatA^ k-'xk 'jiCtt 'st ^rr^r,- 
ing Rock is on the outssde of it tear the nonrest cori.tr tift pCiiL* wji:* .-. 
Lyes by the lodians was called Ke^passagar^sit 2z/i U Lzit Z'ZZ z.z zzjt t^s,:^: 
of the sd Stephen Gates f-jr tlu-ee hocridrec ic ro-'ine^- i^^rti. . . . 

Stephen Gates came to Hint^ham iroai E'§lii>c: :r '±± 
Diligentp A. D. 1638. with wife Ann a^c r^:. ciilir-in- 
From Hingham he removed to CamVricgc- ini zzftZiH: 1: 
Lancaster in 1654. He wa* nxixie fr'irezLL:: izd cjj--rte=L 
constable in 16^6. H^ had r<jz> >*jzz'i.^:rL. S:z:r:c: \zxi 
Thomas, aiui diughter^ Elizab-rV: icd M^*'- Tit G^iz:=i 
blood seems to hitre been of Crr.iceflT mcT'iil lizir^r. 



268 



ANNALS OF I_\SCASTER, 



The daughter Mary verj- boldly contradicted the minister 
in the public assembly. Stephen Gates quarreled with his 
neighbors, the Whitcombs, was deprived of his constable's 
staff, and moved away from Lancaster after less than three 
years' residence. He died at Cambridge, 1662, and his 
sons attempted, without success, to break his will, alleging 
that their father " was not of disposing mind." By this will 
Stephen, the eldest son, received the house and lot in Lao- 
caster. Direct descendants in the male line continued to 
hold land here, ending with Captain Thomas Gates, who 
led the Lancaster troop to Cambridge at the Lexington 
alarm. In 1718 Peter Joslin was in possession of (he 
Gates homestead. Mary Gates married John Maynard of 
Sudbury. 



THE LANDS OF THOMAS JOSLIN 

House IMt zo acm-i. The house Lotl of Thomas Jo«lin b Scituate 
Lyiae and being upon the neck of Land on the east side of the North 
Riuer bounded by the North Riuer west and Runing easterly in Length 
UDlill it come within twenty Rods of ihe Length of the Lott of Stephen 
Gates and is bounded by Commons or ways east the Lott of his son 
Nathaniel Joslin South and the Lands in common [towards] quiissaponi- 
kin meadows on the north by estanution more or les fourty acres Giuen 
him by Consent of the town 

A Swamp Lying lietwen or west [of the lots] of him ind his son 
Nathaniel Josltn the one half thareof to him and [the other half to] his 
said son by Consent of the town. 

kis enteruail Lotl The enteruail Lott of Thomas Joslin one part thare 
of Lyeth on the west side of the North Riuer bounded by the said 
Riuer easterly [and running] northward until! the Riuer and the upland 
do cut off that percell of enteruail [bounded] south by the enteruail of his 
son [and] west by the Commons Containing more or Less thirteen acres 
but scince being more exactly meashured [by those] appointed is found 
to be but ten acres and twenty Rods : more he hath seuen acois Lying on 
the North Riuer in one Slip aJong by the Riuer bounded at the head up Ihe 
Riuer north [by the] meeting of the Riuer and upland cast by the upland 
south by the Land [of Nathaniel Joslin.] 

The Joslin family came from London in the Increase, 
A. D. 1635, landing in Hingham. Thomas was then forty- i 



I 
I 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 269 

three years old, and his wife Rebecca the same age. They 
brought with them Nathaniel, aged eight years; Rebecca, 
eighteen ; Dorothy, eleven ; Elizabeth, six ; and Mary, one 
year. Another son. Abraham, a sailor, came to Lancaster 
some years later than tlie lather, who was here in 1654. 
Mary became the wife of Roger Sumner, and Rebecca 

married Nichols. Thomas Joslin died Jan. 3, 1660, 

and his widow married William Kerley, senior, 16. .j.. 1664, 
being his third wife. The lands above described extended 
from the river eastward along the south side of the North 
Village street. 

THE LANDS OF NATHANIEL JOSLIN 

kis house Lolt The house Loll of Nathaniel Joslin is Sdtuale Lying 
and being upon the necli of Land on the East Side of Ihe North Kiuer 
being bounded upon .said Kiuer we^i and so Kuning east in l.£ng(h until! 
it Reach within twenty Rods of the Length of the Lolt of Stephen Gates 
and is bounded east by the Commons: South by the Lolt of .Stephen 
Gales and north by the Lott of his father Thomas Joslin by Eslemalion 
more or Less ffourty] acots 

his S-wamp Also a certain Swamp Runing betwixt the Lands of him 
and his father is the one half thareof belonging to Nathaniel Jostin by Ihe 
towns Gift and the other to his father 

A/i iKteruail The enleruail Lott of Nathaniel Joslin [one parlj there- 
of Lyeth on the west side of [the North] Kiuer bounded by the said Riuer 
easterly [by the Commons] west the entemail of his father ihonias Joslin 
north & of John Smiths South by Estamation Thirteen acors more or 
Less: 

Nathaniel Joslin was born in England about 1627, com- 
ing to Hingham with his father in the Increase from Lon- 
don in 1635. He married Sarah, daughter of Thomas King 
of Marlborough, and had sons Nathaniel, born 1658, and 
Peter, born 1665; and daughters Sarah, 1660; Dorothy, 
1662; Elizabeth, r667 ; Rebecca, 1672; and Martha. He 
was made freeman in 1673. After the massacre he re- 
mained in Marlbnrough, and there died April 8, 1694. 
His son Peter received the Lancaster home lots, and seems 
to have added the Gates house lot to his inheritance. 









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A Kj' .-.-■: S - :. :lt "i - y -r- ".W-irf Cirre to be 

yv*s>;rss - : :- t"^ r ::: ^r ;-::;. . - l^ri> t;:^ Laid out there- 
tv-c ::m. A.;r. :: 1^. . .::,;■::•. t- :: >..- i? ::".:-kii=. zzK'-z theacount 



w- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 271 

196 acers 2 detiision first he hath a pcice of upland Laid out to him 
Sumtimes Called by the name of Still Riuer farm bounded Southwest by 
the enteruail & South or Southeast by sum second deuision Land of Ralph 
Houghton & easterly it buts partly upon sum meadow of Goodman Wilder 
and the most part upon Common upland and westerly it buts upon the 
highway to the plumtrees enteruail and northerly it is bounded by sum 
second deuision Land Laid out to William Lewis and part by sum other 
Land Laid out to the estate aforementioned and this peice of Land is Laid 
out for one hundred ninty six acres be it more or Less highways to 
Groten to pond meadows & brook meadow allowed for in meashur : 

100 acres 2 deuision Mo'e thare is another peice of upland Laid out 
to the estate aforesaid known by the n.ime of winter plain which buts 
northerly upon Common Land Sum part pine Land & partly oak Land 
& Southerly it buts upo Sum other Land Laid out upon the same acount 
and easterly it is bounded by hills of Rockey Land which is Common and 
westerly it is bounded by Common pine Land sum part of it and sum part 
oake Land Lying betwen the s** Land & plumtree meadows and is Laid out 
for one hundred acres be it more or Less : — 

32 acres 2 deuision More there is another peice Laid out on the same 
acount at the South end of the sd winter plain and is bounded northerly 
by the sd winter plain for the most part and westerly it is bounded [by] 
sum Land of William Lewis and easterly it buts upon Common Land & 
southerly it is bounded by that called the Still Riuer farm and is Laid out 
for 32 acres he it more or Less a highway to Groten allowed for in meashur : 

80 arres 2 deuision More thare is another peice of upland Laid out 
upon the Same acount Lying between the aforementioned Lands and Ma- 
hamachekamaks hill bounded easterly by Land Laid out to the estate of 
Edward Brick and westerly by sum hilly stoncy Land and it buts norther- 
ly and Southerly upon Common Land and is Laid out for eighty acres be 
it more or Less : a highway Runing throw it at the South end of it allowed 
for in meashure : — 

4, acres 2 deuision More thare is fower acres of upland Laid out near 
to the Brook meadow in Common with sum Land Laid out to John Bush 
which was Giuen him by the town : — 

100 acres 2 dettision More there is another peice of upland Laid out 
upon the side of Bare hill upon the acount of the aforementioned estate 
Laid out by order of Goodman Hutson who purchased it of Majer Will- 
ard tho the bounds of it are not yet known it Lyeth for one hundred acres 
all the aforementioned pcrcells of upland are in full the perprotion of up- 
land due to the two estates afore named 

Major Simon Willard, son of Richard of Horsemonden, 
Kent, England, born 1605, came to New England in 1634 
with wife Mary Sharpe and daughter Mary, and settled in 



k^'ji 



I— TSi-iii-aj;:; 



-a izm, I 






f-ux 






MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 273 

6 Lying high vppon the Still Riuer, 4 acors of it on the further side and 2 
acors on this side. Edward Brek 

William Kerly 
Nathaniel Hadlock 
John Johnson 
James Atherton 
Samuel Reaner 

I Steephen Day coming vpp to Nashaway & hearing of some disturbance 

betweene Goodman Prescot & Lawrenc Waters do acknowledg that I laid 

out in the year 1650: vnto Goodm Prescot 4 acors of wet meddow on the 

south side & 2 acors on this side on the still riuer where the bridg is, w«>» 

2 acors on this side Lawrenc Waters hath mowed, and at the end of 4 

acors of meddow of goodrn Prescots iMr Dayes meddows lies in reversion 

towards that which belongs to him. In witness wherof I haue set to my 

hand 

This is a true Coppie Steephen Day 

The house lott of John Prescott vpon which his house stands, being the 
first lott in that Range of Lotts according to the Record of Grants, in the 
old Towne bobk, lying bounded, south by the coinon, and north by a lott 
of Steven Dayes, vpon which Philip Knight built a house butting Easterly 
vpon the highway, that runes between the two ranges of lotts, and west 
vpon the Coition, being twenty acres be it more or less, being eight score 
rod long and twenty rod wide. 

And also a lott lying on the East side of the highway, a little brooke 
nineing cross the* west end of it, which lott is knowne by the name of Ry 
feild. lying bounded south by a lott of Thomas Sawyers and north by a 
highway, that runes betwixt the lott of J no. Moore and it, and it butts 
easterly vpon the Coirion that lyeth betwixt his intervale and it, and 
westerly vpon the high way that lyes betwixt the Ranges of lotts, and lyes 
as a streete being twenty acres, be it more or less, being fourescore rod 
long, and forty rod wide. 

And his intervale lott lying in a peece of intervale on the west side 
Nashaway riuer, part whereof lyes between the wading place which is 
named in the Court grant for the center of the Towne, and the meeting of 
the riuers lying bounded easterly by the riuer, and west by a hill of vpland 
within fence, which the Towne gave to him, and his heyres for ever, for 
his privilege in fencing in his lott, and bounded south by the highway that 
runes betwixt the lott of Thomas Sawyer and it and north by the burying 
place hill, and north riuer, and another part of it lying at the vpper end 
of that peece of intervale, bounded south and east by Nashaway riuer and 
north by Thomas Sawyers lott, and west by a hill of vpland both of which 
parcells being by estimation fifty acres be it more or less, which appears 
to be his due, by the Records of grants in the old Towne booke, but vpon 

18 



liflr: . . 



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1- «... 









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a :x: 



:=x 



C^ 2^ 






MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 275 

The descriptions of Prescott's lands as above given are 
transcribed from volume iii of the Middlesex Registry, 
being much more complete than the later copies in the 
Book of Lands. The records of Prescott's special grants 
from the General Court, and his sale of a twenty acre house 
lot upon the Neck to Ralph Houghton, have been set down 
in previous pages. The title to the homestead where he 
lived until his removal to the vicinity of his mills, was de- 
rived from Symonds & King through John Cowdall. a 
Boston trader, by deed duly recorded in the Suffolk Reg- 
istry, a copy also being recorded in volume iii of the 
Middlesex Registry. 

A Coppie of a deed from fohn Ctrwdall 
Bee it Knownc by these presents that I John Cowdall of Boston, for 
good A vaUuable consideration, by mee in hand receiued, hauegiuen, 
granted, bargained & sold and by these presents do giue grant, bargain, 
St sell vnto John Prescott late of Watertown my house at Nn.fhaway. and 
' twenty acres of land therevnto belonuing and adjoyneing, bounded with 
John Frescotts owne lot! on the east. Steeven Day on the North, and 
George Adams south, a.s also twelue acres of wett meadow belonging to it, 
and fifty acres of Intervale bounded with Penycooke riuer west, and still 
riuer east, vpon which parcell of land Richard Linton, and Lawrance 
Waters haue planted corne, together with all appurtenances, conueniences 
and priueledges, coiiiunes, pastures, inindalls &c belonging & apperteyne- 
ing to the said lands to haue and to hold the said house & Lands with all , 
other the appurtenances & priuetidges to him and his heyres for euer, 
wilnea my liand & scale this s"' of the 8"". 1647. 

John Cowdall 

Sealed and deli,- In He presence of \ Jjj™ n™"'' 
Recorded S--8.. 1647 Walter Aspinwall Recorder 

James U'iseri deed of tVaihacum lands 
Know ail men by lhe.se p'sents that I James Wiser of Washakim in the 
conntie of midlesex, Indian, in New England, for good consideratione 
and mouinge therevnto, but especially for & in consideratione of fouer 
pounds teen shillings allredy rec' by me haue giuen granlled bargined sold 
alinated & confirmed & do by these psenls giue grant bargine sell alinate 
& canRrme vnto John Prescott of Lancaster some ninlie accers of vnlm- 
proued land be it more or lesae lyinge vpon a plaine & twentie accers be 



276 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

it more or lesise beinge a come feilld lyinge vpon a hUl weastward of this 
plaine bounded by a pond a littill remote easterly firome the plaine: Washa- 
kira fort beinge aboutt toefteene rods firome the neerest pt of this plaine & 
the hill whear on the Indian fielld is. weasterly of thb plaine, only Ada- 
gunapeke & his Aunt & his sister reserue one accer a yere, the hill beinge 
called by the name of moantuhcake, this land joynes to the £uine that the 
Country gaue John Prescott which allso is bounded by a hill to the south 
nininge downe to his meadow belong! nge to his ^rme & the countryes 
land ellsewhear aboutt it. the sayde bargined Pmisses withall and singular 
ther puiledges & apertananses to be to the sayde John Prescott & his 
he\'ers for euer to haue & to bold for his or their pposes & Uesies without 
any lawful! lett molestatiooe or disturbance from by or vnder me' or any 
my he\*er5 executors or asignes or any other pson or psons what soeuer 
fermely bindinge my sellfe my heyers executors & asignes heervnto, & we 
whose names arre vnder written. Pummannommon & Pompoweagon do 
afirme and testifie that the aforesayde James Wiser hath hill power & right 
to alinate thes lands & in wittnesse heerto I y* aforesa\'de James Wiser do 
putt to my hand and sealle. 

The 3 acC^ of brok vpland expressed heerin that U reserued lyes at the 
northerly end of the feilld. datted this 22^ of the first mo. 1669/70 

the marke ^ James Wiser 

Read signed & sealled & deliuered in the presence of 
y* nurke of (M) Mary Willard 

Simon Wilxard Jr. 
the marke of C rvMMAXNOMMOX 
the marke of C ; roMPOWE.\GON 

[Frc»m Sh.utuck M.mitsort'pcs in possession of the New Eng'and Historic Genea- 
Ioi^ktaI Socict> .] 

John Prescott died in December, 16S1, possessed of 
aK^ut 700 acres of land, having moreover given lands and 
a mill at Xonaicoicus to his son Jonas. Three hundred 
acres of this estate lav about the Washacum Ponds, includ- 
ing the Sterling camp-grounds : he owned nearly all the 
lands upon which the manufactories and most densely peo- 
pled streets of Clinu>n are located, and one hundred acres 
in South Lancaster, stretching from the summit of George 
Hill to the meetinij of tlie rivers. But the sworn inventorv* 
of his estate amounted to only 330 pounds S shillings. Af- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 



277 



ter the completion of his corn mill, he took up his residence 
near it, and the site of his garrison house has been hereto- 
fore Doted as near the southeast corner of Hijjh and Water 
streets, in Clinton. The location of his earlier home is 
important, because from it as a starting point, all the home 
lots west of the rivers were laid out. JLuckily we are left 
neither to conjecture nor tradition regarding ila position. 
The site of the Symonds and King trucking house, bought 
of Cowdall, was sold to Nathaniel Wilder fur twenty 
pounds by Jonathan Prescott, in 1697, and is thus de- 
scribed : 

Twenty acres .... Ijeing in the south end of y" Town where John 
Prescott Sen' and John Prescott Jun' some time Lived, being the first Lolt 
in uumber in that Range of Lolla butting westerly vpon the staled com- 
mon near Georges Hill, and easierly vpon a highway y' goelh between the 
two Ranges of Lotts and southerly it is bounded partly by y' Loll of 
Jonas flfairbanke and part by a halfe Lott of Daniel Gaines now in y' pos- 
session of said Jonathan Prescott. And northerly it is bounded by the 
Lott of y said Nathaniel Wilder. 



In the settlement of Lieutenant Nathaniel Wilder's estate 
his son Ephraim received " all the house Lott that formerly 
belonged to the Prescotts." except one acre, which was set 
apart for the widow. The direct descendants of Captain 
Ephraim Wilder have resided upon the property until 
within the memory of some now living. William Toombs 
bought it, and the estate is by our older residents often 
called the Toombs place. This land has lately come into 
possession of H. A. Marshall. 

Reference to the record of Daniel Gains' grant will show 
that he had " ten acors lying on the top of George Hill . . . 
and northardly it is bounded by the house lott of John 
Prescott, and it buts easterly upon the Lott of Jonas Fair- 
banks." The description of Jonas Fairbank's home lot 
reads: "it buteth west upon a hill called George Hill and 

it is bounded north by the Lott of John Prescott." 

Fairbank's lot, now included in the farm of Jonas Goss, 



278 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



extended forty rods along the highway, and from east to 
west was eighty rods long; that of Prescott, his father-in- 
law, being half as wide and twice as long, extending to or 
beyond the crest of the hill. 

The Rye-field, with Raper's "Brooke runeing cross the 
west end of it" as of old, is mostly included in the lands of ^ 
G. F. Chandler. John A. Rice, W. H. Graham, and Rufus 
Eager, the road to George Hill forming its northern bound- 
ary. May I. 1698, Jonathan Prescott, in a deed of gift to 
his son Samnel. transferred "my house Lett known by the 

name of the Rye (Held conteyning one Dwelling 

house and barne." June 1, 1708. Samuel Prescott, having 
removed to Concord, sold to Reverend John Prentice all 
his "houscing, lands, and meadows," including the Rye- 
field fully described and stated to be " the lolt where y" said 
Samuel Prescott formerly Lived," — also the intervale 
"bounded easterly by Nashua River for the most part and 

Northerly by the burying place and North East it 

butts on the meeting of the Rivers". This intervale now 
belongs to the Thayer estate, and the existing ditch that 
separates it from the old burying ground and other upland? 
was first dug by John Prescott. and is mentioned as early 
as 1659- ^ ^^^^ acres of Prescott's intervale were located 
a.little higher up the south branch of the Nashaway, near 
the place long familiarly known as the O/d Rock, but 
formerly, probably, called 'John's ynw/, as that suggestive 
name is frequently found in old land records attached to 
some place in that immediate vicinity. 

John Prescott. the founder of Lancaster, was the young- 
est son of Ralph and Ellen of Shevington. Lancashire, 
England, born about 1604, and married to Mary Platis, 
Jan. 21, 1629. He is supposed to have been a Cromwellian 
soldier, and to have left England to avoid religious perse- 
cution. He first sailed to Barbadoes in 1638, and -thence 
to Boston in 1640. Soon thereafter he became the holder 
of one hundred and twenty-six acres of land in Watertown, 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 



279 



and in 1643 we find him prominent among the associates of 
the Naahaway Company. His invincible energy, manual 
skill, and fertilitj' of resource pushed the enterprise to final 
success, in spite of dangers and discouragements which 
soon drove all his copartners from the undertaking. Such 
as the town became, it was his building. For nearly forty 
years he was its very heart and soul, and after the massa- 
cre he came back to die at his post, enjoining in his will, 
thai the worn out mortal part of him should be committed 
"to the coimon burying place here in Lancaster." Over his 
grave stands a rude fragment of slate rock, and few are the 
eyes thai can readily read the characters rudely cut upon 
it: "John Prescott Desased." The footstone with the 
date has crumbled away. 

John Prescott's children were eight in number : i. Mary, 
baptized at Sowerby, England (Halifax Parish), Feb. 24, 
1630; married Thomas Sawyer in 1648. 2. Martha, bap- 
tized at Halifax Parish, March 11, 1632; married John 
Rugg in 1655. 3. John, baptized at Halifax Parish, April 
I, 1635 ; married Sarah Hayward, 1668 : he lived with his 
father and succeeded him at the mills. 4. Sarah, bapdzed 
at Halifax Parish in 1637 ; married Richard Wheeler in 
1658. 5. Hannah, probably born in Barbadoes in 1639; 
she became the second wife of John Rugg, May 4, 1660, 
her Sister Martha, with her twin babes, having died in 
1656. 6. Lydia, born in Watertown, August 15, 1641 ; 
married Jonas Fairbank, May 28, 1658. 7. Jonathan, born 
probably in Lancaster about 1646 ; he removed to Concord 
after the massacre and became a man of note there, dying 
Dec. 5, 1721. 8. Jonas, born June, 1648, in Lancaster; 
married Mary Loker of Sudbury, 1672, and was a promi- 
nent citizen of Groton. John Prescott's grandchildren 
numbered tifty. 

THE LANDS OF PHILIP KNrGHT 

his house Ij)il his liousi; Lott being twenty acres Lying on llie west 
side of Nashway Riuer »nd the south end of the (own being the second 



38o 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



Lotl from Goodman Prescuts in that Kan^e of Lolls buting east upon a 
Streat or highway chat Runs betwen two Kaages of Lolts in (hat end of 
the town bounded south by the Lott of Goodman Prescutt and north by a 
Lott of John Johnsons buting west upon the stated Common upon wlllch 
Lott Goodman Knight sum time erci:ted a house and Liued iharc being 
160 Rods in Length and twenty Rods widt Lying for twent)' acors be it 

his enteruait Loll His enieruai! Lott Lying on the east Side of Peni- 
cook Riuer In a common feild in the uper tnd of ihal enleruail buling 
west upon penicook Riuer and east upon (he Still Riuer bounded soulh 
by a Lott of John Rigbees and north by sum Laud of John Ruggs which 
was Laid out to him to make up his enteruail Lott this L^it was Laid 
out to Goodman Knight for twenty acors 

Philip Knight did not sign the covenant. He was prob- 
ably that Philip who was admitted an inhabitant at Charles- 
town in i6j7, and had wife Margery, and children Jonathan. 
Philip, Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Mary. He died in 1668, 
the inventory of his estate being found in the Essex Regis- 
try. Knight sold all his rights here, and there is no evi- 
dence found to show that when the family name was brought 
to Lancaster again, after an absence of one hundred years, 
it was borne by a direct descendant of Philip Knight. The 
Knight lot was first sold to John Tinker, and purchased of 
him by Thomas Wilder, who probably established his resi- 
dence there at his first coming, in 1659. It remained in 
the hands of his direct descendants until the present 
century. 

THE LANDS OF JOHN JOHNSON. 

The first land grants to John Johnson, by an omission of 
the copyist, have no page in the Book of Lands, This 
proprietor signed the covenant in 1654. '^'^'^ alloled the 
twenty acres next north from the Knight lot, and built and 
lived there. May 20, 1667, John Johnson and wife Mary, 
of Cambridge, deeded to John Roper, carpenter, "all my 

Hiime Lott whereon I sometime lived bounded 

south by a house lutt of Thomas Wilder and northerly by 
a highway that runes up into the woods, and it bulls East 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 281 

upon a high way or street that lyes between two ranges of 
lotts and west upon a stated coffion, with fruit trees, build- 
ings, fences &c". In 1670, John Roper deeded to Arche- 
laus Courser, a Spotter" from Boston, who had married his 
daughter Rachel, sixteen acres of the John Johnson lot, 
and after the death of Archelaus, his son, John Courser, 
sold it to Nathaniel Wilder. In 1729 the second Nathaniel 
Wilder transferred to his brother Oliver, "Land on which 
I formerly dwelt, & is the Lott that was granted to John 
Johnson and part of the Lott that was Phillip Knights and 
afterwards Thomas Wilders." Johnson came to Lancaster 
from Watertown. His wife was Mary, daughter of Thomas 
King of Marlborough. His house lott, twenty rods in 
width, bordered the southern side of the highway over 
George Hill by the school-house. 

THE LANDS OF JOHN ROPER 

his house Lott his house Lott is the fourth Lott from John Prescuts 
in that Ran}2^ of Lotts that Lyeth west of the Street or highway that Lyeth 
betwen two Ranges of Lotts in the south end of the town bating east 
upon that highway and west upon the stated Common bounded south by 
the countie high way that Goeth in to the woods, and so whare need shall 
Require and bounded north on the Lott of John Rugg ui)on which Lott 
Goodman Johnson the taylor who sum time Liued at Sudbury bult a house 
and Liued thare for sum space of time which Lott was sumtime in the 
possesion [of] Master day of Cambridge it being a hundred and Sixty 
Rods Long and twenty Rods wide and Lyeth for twenty acors be it more 
or Less. 

his enteriiail Lott His enteruail Lyeth in the north enteruail about the 
middel of it buting east upon the North Riuer and west upon the upland 
bounded South by the Lott of John Johnson and north by the Lott of John 
Moore which Lott is Laid out and Lyeth for twenty acors be it more or 
Less. 

** Goodman Johnson the taylor," was Solomon of Sudbury 
and Marlborough. He exchanged, in 1652, "forty acres of 
land lying at Nashaway plantation with one Dwelling house 
uppon it," for a grant of three hundred acres of Stephen 
Day*s. Day was one of the first proprietors, and an ener- 



Ml 



ANr.'AKS OF LANCASTER. 



I^rlir |Moino(rr of tlic intercstH of the plantation; but his 
rifi^V no oi'trn outran his discretion that he was constantly 
ill (Irht. Mr Nij^iied the covenant, but never came to Lan- 
1 MFili'i In livi*. IIIn land rights either went to satisfy credi- 
liiiM, ni UN hi thiN case, lapsed by non-improvement. The 
hiwii iinMi^iHul the* Solomon Johnson lot to Roper. John 
Uii|M*r \\\v< iH' N<»rtolk County, England, coming to Amer- 
li it whni Iwouly-six years old, in 1639, ^^'^ ^^^^ Alice and 
(wo thilduMi, Alicr and Kli/abeth. He for some time lived 
III Mrdhitm whrro wore horn to him Rachel. 1639; Han- 
titih. io|3 ; Kphrainu 10.(4: and Benjamin, 1647. He was 
y\ \\\\\w\\w\ bv uade% and a man respected of his neigh- 
\\\\\^ iMul oi >*\^\hI standing in the church, tor he was chosen 
\y\w oi the M"U\tmcn in IWV4. He was killed by the Indi- 
•ur^ »\* u*;^\^. Kv^jH^rV Hrvvk perjviuates his n^me. In a 
\\\\\\ \\\^\\\ \A\\\ \UvMv :o IXinicl Hu^isor, A. D. loSi. the 
M^ihi u \vx>^\\v\l '" i>. :ho vVvupier? vM' John Roper's h:-use 
i\^\ v\^* \*\v * S':?\ vo :V:vh wA^rr iVv'n: ihe Brc^rk.* The 
\*VN*»\:v U V ^\^^s^* Vusc now stAr.vis :z :r.e s.-uir.^isc c:r- 

\ • • 

I Lk • fc. v.* »..\.» X -.. k * * "^ I'^N.* ^ h * t — » ■ w ■ ^ . .«> * -, — ^^ «r^i«>a. *»"■*" - ^ 



\\ I ^ ^'^'X. N^\ s\* 



."N 






«\ 



\N\ 



V V-^ '.V, .(»- l-^a. «• 






. ^. 



■ 1.. : . *. > L-. 



^c^ 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



283 



Enteritail LoU More he hath his Enleruail Lott in the first deuisioD 
Lying on the East side of Nashaway Riuer butting westerly upon the 
Riuer and Easterly upon the upland and It is bounded Southerly by the 
Loit of Jacob farrah Sener and Northerly it is bounded by a Lott which 
wjs sum time the Lott of Richard Smith now in Ihe po.ssession of Majcr 
Willard and was Laid out for twenty acres 

John Rugg had for his first wife Martha Prescott, who 
difd. with her twin babes, in 1656. His second wile was 
Hannah Prescotl. by whom he had children : John, 1662 ; 
Mercy, 1664; Thomas, 1666; Joseph, 1668; Hannah, 
1670; Rebecca, 1673; Daniel, 1678; Jonathan, 1681. He 
was made freeman in 1669. John Rugg's will was proved 
in February. 1697. and his widow was slain by the Indians 
the same year, together with her son Joseph, willi his wife 
and three children. The Rugg house lot had been as- 
signed to Henry Kerley in the first allotinent, but he refused 
it, and built on church lands not far from the Rowlandson 
garrison. 

THE LAND OF DANIEL GAINS 

his house Lott his house Lott part of [it] Lyeth in a peice of Land 
that was Left by (he Lott of John Rugg and Goodman Kerley where now 
ihe Said Daniel hath built an house there being ten acors or Ihiire abouls 
be it more or less bounded Southardly by John Ruggs Lott and northardly 
by the Lott of old Goodman Kerley and it buls easterly by the Street or 
hyway that Runs betwen two Ranges of Lolts and it buls westerly by the 
Slated Common and more he halh ten acors Lying on the top of George 
Hill be it more or Less bounded Southardly upon the Common and north- 
ardly it is bounded by the house Loll of John Prescull and it buts easterly 
upon the Lott of Jonas fairbanks and westerly it buts upon the Stated 
Common both the said peaces of upland Lyeth for his full house Lott of 
twenty acors be Ihay more or Less — 

his enteruait Loll His entcruail Lott Lyeth nn the east side of peni- 
cook Riuer and is bounded southardly by the Loit of Jonas fairbanks and 
northardly it is bounded by sum Enteruail of Lawrence Waters and it buts 
Easterly upon the enteruail Swamp and west it bills U[>on the said peni- 
cook Riuer A high way runing Cros the Lott to the meadows and to the 
plumtrees and Lyeth for his full Lott of twenty acors be it more or Less. 

Daniel Gaines was a late comer, appearing here in 1660. 

There is no evidence that he had wife or children, but a 






^ .■ TASTER, 



r>^« .*y.'. 



:\':r-tcd admini<lraior of 
.>>»iCrt of the Ruwland- 
:.: the ten acres on the 



. -liKLEY SENER 

. ~: l-:: v'f William Keriey Stner 
. *: _ ■.; zonhward tonuin^ more 

.- .: /";:4'^' The house Loti 

. .♦..:.:.-- and afienvards i>ur- 

. _: 1 r:H in his possession is 

. : ^.■- ,~-r.::iining more or Los 

: .:.i i> aforesaid more or 

■;• —z S^itiuat L>ing anc 

-:-: Nurih Riuer bounded 

.-. ::= 'Aoods or Commons 

■ ..-1 ir.i the house Loti of 
. ; .^ ■ _:. riir.;: 10 the order of 

■ ■ S^-::'..' 20 iii'ors The 

. : .:."> more or Less is 

:<: .:":""!e North Riuer 

- - .- >-:r. .ind purchesed 

■ : - :. : ■ ■. r.:. acor> South- 
M ^ :; :::e s.Jd William 

.:- : . ^~ .■".""::::■.> or common 
. - : - .• r. il : li c c ii tc ruai I 



\, 



' ■ N 



■x . 



-» «\ 



^.* ■•. "..".. :'•::: Ashmore, Eng- 
« ^ .. ^ .T :::v. ConrMencc* of 
"'•■ . J. : .^ :'. r.ii'v in Hinirham 
'. ^ /^. *.:: ::^7 h^ :vi:.ime freeman. 

\ ■ . > ..' . ■. l...-v\;<:t:\ :'-5S. The next 
" . i;/. X . "...r-.J.-. :•, :v. trior oi ihe minis- 
> . . ^ ••: •..••. !'.v- :. 'n ■ :■ ..:> \\\\vd \\\w Rebecca. 

., .,..x .^ x'^. '. A. 1"*. I. '.'4- He died July 14, 

;. xx«'- » N,\::: •...•.: ..c ';:.u: :>-.en a <'."Iiiier. f-r in the 
..x,.!-^*'^ **• ■•^ N ■>.'■.•..•.■ 5.::lc:> u«.re "* Ir-jn cl-jaihes " and 



\ \ « 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 285 



a " cutlash." William Kerley was appointed one of the 
first prudential managers of the town, and seems to have 
been a very strong willed if not influential member of the 
board. The Kerley lots are now the homesteads of F. D. 
Taylor and H. B. Stratton. A deed dated April 30, 1688, 
from Henry Kerley, then of Marlborough, to Samuel Car- 
ter of Woburn, "clerk," transfers "the 6"' house lott & three 
quarters of the 7'*^ house lott," in all thirty-five acres. 

Richard Smith's deed of his dwelling-house and twenty 
acre house lot to William Kerley, senior, is dated June 4, 
1658. Smith was of Sudbury, son of John. His first wife, 
Mary, and her infant, died 27. .3™. .1654, and August 10 of 
the sanie year he married the widow Joanna Quarlls, by 
whom he had in Lancaster, John, 1655, and Francis, 1657. 
He appears in 1656 among the proprietors of Groton, but 
perhaps did not become resident there, although he disap- 
pears from Lancaster. 

LANDS OF MR SAMUEL CARTER 

40 acors of Land Granted to Mr Samuel Carter Mr Samuel Carter 
hath fourty acres of Land Laid out to him which was a proper Gift of the 
town Lying at the east end of sum Second deuision Land of John farrahs 
now in the possession of Mr. Thomas Swift buting west upon s^ Swifts 
Land and easterly upon Swampie Low Land and Southardly it is bounded 
upon Second deuision Land of William Kerley Sener and northardly by 
Common plain Land. 

Thomas Swift seems to have been a transient resident, 
perhaps from Milton. He was a non-resident proprietor in 
1684, and disappears from the records thereafter. Samuel 
Carter, a teacher and clergyman, was the son of the Rev- 
erend Thomas Carter of Woburn, born 1640, graduated 
from Harvard College in 1660, died as minister of Groton, 
1693. He sometimes preached in Lancaster, between 1681 
and 1688. By wife Eunice Brooks he had four sons and 
four daughters : Mary, 1673 ; Samuel, 1678 ; John, 1681 ; 
Thomas, 1682 ; Nathaniel, 1685 ; Eunice, 1687 ; Abigail, 



S() ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



Kh)i>. Nono of these births are found in Lancaster Rec- 
ords. I'ho widow Eunice married John Kendall of Wo- 
hurn, who, with his brother Samuel, were the progenitors 
of numerous descendants bearing the name Kendall in 
I-uncastor* Leominster and Sterling. John Kendall re- 
ceived a forty acre grant from the town, January 26, 1714, 
^on th^ easterly side of Wecapeket Brook." John. Samuel 
and Thomas Carter occupied the paternal estate purchased 
of William Kerlev\^ heirs, and there the two last named 
had large families, which so multiplied the number bearing 
the family name that it was soon rivalled only by the Wil- 
lards and Wilders in the Lancaster census. 

THK LANDS OF JOHN SMITH 

'e.ns'^Y .\w Tho upUm) Ijoii of John Smitli beiii|^ the E%&c& Locx In 
ttu; KAVi^^r ot l.^^its ;Kjit l.x^fs on the «ie$t Side ot the Xovth 
vv\ :h^ Wv s; s^*<* v>:" ;he Strv^^t or hvinv thit Lves 
l.o:;s o'A :><* Ssv,:;h <«»<; »m' the town betas br 
lv^:xj: cv^^; sovvr Kvx:s :!^ Length Jiad rwtan- Roi£^ «i5e banoi^ 
:>s: Mji>AXA\ vvr S:rcet tKat Runs berwen i^ Ruig» « Lxs 
u..vr :V v>-:^:?s>ns S^crsaec ssi^crh br the Lwrt c« Wal&Eit 

K;-<. "..^-i^- *'"*4: i^V t^'tr.:* ir-^-^-^ Sf :t -non? cr Ijcssil 

.-f..-. - .* v; H-< ^rr?--wJL:! I*v: "ruii^ rm>*sTt mssts^ " ^"g 

^.^.^•"N^' , ,i.i-»,: **•.: 5o:::>: r* :Se loir: .'C WTiaoi Sartp- 5 

KiT^' :«; :.^^v *:i *> :?v ?^.x*4i Rxjs^ ,^ hf*m£ ii» hu^ imi. iis 
ire . -.Lr:^.- ^ r r» :S; r:«T. . , , 







j: :*i A. V r:*^. lti£ r.:^^ rr^:^:•-^. Siiciinst 'Vinar?- onz 
'..:.r fi.:!.::. r^id ir«i ^-m.ir j.x it T*iiruns> Sjbf.. x 



I 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 287 



from Woburn. On the 5*'' of 2*^ month, 1669, John Smith 
transfers all his then estate to John Moore, with this condi- 
tion : "Now in my old age I being old and infirme, & not 
able to improve land, nor to maintayne myself by my 
labours nor to pay publique charges for my land, therefore 
in consideration of my foresaid son John Moore & his wife 
are to keepe mee duringe my naturall life." .... He died 
July 16, 1669. His will mentions children — John, Rich- 
ard, Ann and Alice. 

LANDS OF WILLIAM KERLEY JUNER 

house Lott his house Lott which is acording to his Grant in the old 
town book the ninth Lott from John Prescutts Lying and being on the 
west side of the highway that Goes to the north enteniail and to Wallnutt 
Swamp and it buts Easterly upon that highway and westerly upon the 
Stated Common and it is bounded Southardly by the Lott of John Smith 
and north by sum second deuision Land of William Kerley Sener and It 
Lyeth for twenty acors be it more or Less — 

enteruail Lott More he hath his enteniail Lott Lying and being in the 
north enteruail and according to his Grant apears to be the fourth Lott 
thare and it buts easterly upon the North Riuer and westerly upon Com- 
mon [land] and is bounded Southerly by the Lott of John More and 
northardly it is bounded by the Land fof ] William Kerley Sener and it 
Lyeth for twenty acors be it more or Less 

William Kerley, junior, came from Sudbury, signing the 
Nashaway covenant in 1653. He was made a freeman in 
1666, having removed to Marlborough, where he became 
ensign. He died January 4, 1684. No children are named 
in his will, although by first wife, Jane, he had three daugh- 
ters: Mary, 1667; Sarah, 1668; and Hannah, 1670. A 
second wife, Anna, daughter of Thomas King, survived 
him. He sold his Lancaster lands to Abraham Joslin, Jr., 
who perished with his wife and child in the massacre of 
1676. In 1693-4, Henry Kerley and the Joslin heirs trans- 
ferred the "House lot of W" Kerley" to Thomas Harris, a 
butcher from Boston, who had married the widow Rebecca 
Crocker, or '* Croakham ," Abraham Joslin's sister. Thomas 



28S ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



I liirris in 1682 had bought the lands of John Ball, who was 
killod in the massacre. Ball's lands are not described in 
tlie Hook of Lands, although he was one of the first inhab- 
itants. Harris died 1698. Abraham Joslin also sold fifty 
acres to Nathaniel Robinson, with a proprietor's right. 
Nathaniel Ilapgood possessed lands at Bare Hill and else- 
wluMT, hiicl out to the right of William Kerlejs junior. 



THK LANDS OF JOHN MORE 

ht.\ ht^usf /*»// The house Lott of John More Lyeth on the west side 
of the Noiih Kiuer ami on the east side of the highway or Street that 
Kun> )>i>t\vt«n the two Kan^s of Lotts that are Laid out in the South end 
of the tt>\vn hv\\\^ called the first Lott fronts the Lott of John Prescutts in 
the Krooitls o! (Grants in the old town book and it Lyes bounded South 
h\ a )\iiihx\a> thiU Kuus l>et\%-en the Lott of John prescutt Called the Ry 
held .ind it M\i\ hounded north by Gi|)son hill and buting east upon the 
i\>mm«Mi and west ujn^n the Street or highway Runing betwen the two 
Kans»v> of Lotts his Lott l>eins tour score Rods in Length and fourty Rods 
\^ide L\in^ frti twentv AiV1"S l>e it more or Less — 

(C.v /vr/»*,;;/ /.w His cmeruail Lott Ljing in the north enteniail 
lM^in< t.\dU\1 the tifth Lott In the Records of Grants in the old town Book 
And it I xt^s KMJude^l nouh l\\ the Lott of William Kerley Juner and south 
^x iho Lott ot John Roivt Sutinij east upon the North Riuer and west 
;v.vM* ',hc;:;.^lAiv' ivi;\;: :\xcu:\ Kvxis wide and Eight Score Rods in Length 
:: 1 \::*j; t.^T :xxo*.>:\ aoor-s 1\^ :; :rv^^e or Less. 

I\v ,\ o.<x\l il;itt\l M.r.vh ^s, 10S2, ""John Moore of Sud- 
K:r\ Sv^r/*v:*:no of l.,;:K\;stor'^ transferred to Daniel Hud- 
st-^n *\\V. ':;:s IKniSc^ lot in the sd Lancaster upon wh. he the 
5sr^: lo'.n Mv^ro bui*: a lUnjso vV tor some time Lived, Lv- 
'nc N.":^>vW.o Vv^sons 11:1',, vV l.^hn Prescot his Rve field, 

vV :s V;::uuv, :^ou:>,or;\ by a Highway"" reser\-ing 

"^ • AO^x^ in ziv^n'ic r*,;oo neor :be hi^hwaw as also Liberty 
:Vr :ho .x^^ui^urs o;^ \ ^-^ K.v\ers house forever free liberty 
:o tvto^ \\,;:.r ::v:v : xc l>r^v>k th^: runs on the Lot near the 
wvs: en.:." '.\,n*.cl :ln^isv^n Seiner sla:n by the Indians. 
Sv*:x<rn':Xr : :. :>v*. h.< s>^n N,;:hAr.:e: rk'vssessed the Moore 
I.-:. >;;: r. n*,. \ n^ :.^ :^ llor ca, 2^^^; :: ro lohn Buss? of Con- 
\r. :> *vV^ jV^nnvls* ''u::^^ i. 1709, March 25, 






MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 289 

1 7 19, John and Hazadiah Moore transfer to John Buss the 
reserved one-fourth acre above named, describing it as "on 
the north side of a Highway w^ lies between it and a Lott 

now belonging to the Reverend Mr John Prentice 

Something in a square form, in south east corner of sd lott, 
bounded south by sd Highway, east by land that was called 
stated Common, North & west by part of sd lott." Samuel 
Locke became the next owner, purchasing of the second 
John Buss in 1742. 

Two John Moores signed the Lancaster covenant — one 
in 1653, the other a year later. But one, however, shared 
in the first allotments, if we may trust the Book of Lands. 
John Moore of Sudbury, in his will proved in 1674, leaves 
to his son John of Lancaster, "five shillings and no more, 
for I have given him his portion formerly." This John 
married in Sudbury, November 16, 1654, Ann, daughter 
of John Smith. Their children born in Lancaster were 
Mary, 1655; Elizabeth, 1657; I^dia, 1660; John, 1662; 
Joseph, 1664; Ann, 1666; Jonathan, 1669; and Maria. 
The same date, 10.. i!^ 1670-1, marks the birth of Maria 
and the death of the mother, Ann. John Moore became 
Ensign, and died in 1702, leaving a widow Mary. He re- 
moved from his first home and built upon Wataquadock 
about 1665, for in that year, in an exchange of lands with 
Ralph Houghton, he mentions "my new dwelling house at 
Wataquadoke." John Moore, junior, was delegate to Gen- 
eral Court from Lancaster, in 1689. His sons John and 
Jonathan lived to ripe old age upon the paternal acres, 
south of Wataquadock. 

THE LANDS OF THOMAS SAWYER 

kottse Lott his house Lott Lyeth on the east side of the Street or 
hie:hway that Runs betwen the two Ranges of Lotts on the south end of 
the town bounded west by the Street or highway and east by the Common 
that Lies betwen the enteruail and it bounded south by the Lott of Jacob 
£uTah and north by the Lott of John Prescutt called the Rie field this 
lott being Eightie Rods in Length and fourty Rods wide and Lyeth for 
twenty acors be it more or Less 

19 



290 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



I Lett Hb eotcrul Ijolt Lyes in a peacie of Cfltenml that 
Lies on tbe west side of Kasbawsy Riuer bounded oordiwatd by the 
htghwai that Goes to Wataquadok and lootb bj sum pan of the enieraail 
Lott of John presctitts and east and south east by ihe Riuer and west 
it bats with an angle upon the Commoa at {noe hill acording to Ihe Rec- 
ords of Grants in the <rfd town book it was first Laid out for twenty acors 
but upun trial by exact measfaur it wax found to want fiire acors which the 
town Granied to be made up twenty and it was Confirmed by the Com- 
mittee and is made up with and by a pcice of enteniaQ that Lies up Nash- 
away Riiwr 

Thomas Sawj'er was a blacksmith, of Rowley, 1643. 
I^e came to Lancaster in 1647, and married Mary PrcscoU. 
by whom he had children : Thomas, 1649 ; Ephraim, 1651 ; 
Mar\', 1653: Joshua. 1655; James, 1657; Caleb. 1659: 
John, 1661 ; Elizabeth, 1663; Nathaniel, 1670. Over his 
grave Jn the old yard the headstone records that he died 
Sept. 12, 1706, aged about ninety years. Thomas, junior, 
who seems to have inherited a share of his grandfather 
John Prescotl's energj* and capacity, established the second 
saw-mill in Lancaster be lore 1700, upon Deans, now Good- 
ridge, Brook, at the dam near the Deer's 1 loms school-house. 
Upon the Sawyer house lot now stand the church and sev- 
eral dwellings of the Seventh Day Adventist Society. The 
venerable Mrs. Sally (Sawyer) Case, a direct descendant 
of Ttromas Sawyer, lives very near the original house site. 
.\n ancient dwelling, with stone chimneys, was torn away, 
just in the rear of the present house, when it was built in 
1812. June 18, 1701, Sawyer transferred half of this house 
lot to his youngest son, Nathaniel, it being described as the 
" south side of the Lott bounded north by rest of loU & 
south by a narrow Lane or way lying betwixt it and the lot 
of Jacob ffarer & it butts east & west on highways." June 
14, 1706, he transfers the above described intervale to 
Nathaniel, stating its southern bound to be upon "some 
intervale land in the possession of Thomas Sawyer, Jun. 
& known by y' name of Johns Jump about 15 acres." At 
the same date he gives eight acres of the northern half of 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 



291 



his house lot lo his oldest son, Thomas, " he having sold 2 
acres before " to him. This last is the farm lately owned by 
L. G. Cilley. 

THE LANDS OF JACOB FARRAH 
house Lott The house LoU of Jacob ferrah upon which his house 
stands Lying South from the Norlh Kiuer and west from Nashaway Riuer 
in 3 Rang of LoHs on the east side of the Street or highway that Lyes 
betwen two Ranges of Lolts buling west upon that Street or highway and 
ca5t upon the Common that Lies towards Johns Jump a place so called 
bounding norlh by the Lott of ihomas Sawyer and South by the Commons 
where thare was a Lolt sum time Laid out to John Rigbe a Liltel Brook 
Runing cros the west end of it near to the end, and a highway of a Rod 
wide Lying betwen ihc I^lt of Thomas Sawyer and it which Lott being 
fower sCQre Rods in Length and fourty Rods wide ondly upon his Request 
for a Conuenient place to build a house the Square of his Lott was altered 
and the South west corner Runs out twenty Rods further and the South 
east corner so much in which Lott Lyeth for twenty acors be it more or 

Ais eiiteruail Lott The enteniail Lott of Jacob ferrah Lyeth on the 
east side of Nashaway Riuer by which Riuer It is wholley Bounded on the 
west side and on the east side at the cast end it is hounded by sum mead- 
ow called the frog holes and so downward by the pine plain buting South 
by a Swamp called pins Swamp and norlh by John [Ruggs] Lolt one 
highway Going threw it two ways the bay [road] and another highway 
Goes down the enieruail to the meadows both of them being two Rods 
and half wide either of them so much of which Lott is his own Lott of 
enleruail Granted him by the town and was laid out to him for twenty 



The "highway of a rod wide" above stated as the north 
bound of Farrar's land is the east and west street, known 
as the Narrow Lane, on which the Seventh Day Adventist 
meeting-house stands. Near an unfailing spring beside 
Roper's Brook there was visible, many years ago, a de- 
pression marking a half filled cellar; and various relics of 
a residence were there frequently ploughed up, but no one 
could remember even a tradition of a house standing there, 
or of its ownership. Possibly this may have been the loca- 
tion of the Farrar Jiome, though the extension of the south- 
west corner would rather indicate a site on the high ground 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



293 



Fale is mentioned more than once tn early records as 
m's Hole. Old residents sometimes used this name, 
bying it to a deep place in tlie river, near the Scar now 
d Emerson's Bank, It seems to be, however, a chance 
Eval of the disused provincial English term holh mean- 
■a small area of ground sunken below its surroundings. 
Want's Hole is a depressed and hill-girt meadow seen 
across the river east from the north extremity of High 
street, in Clinton. Richard Wheeler came here from Med- 
fieid. He married John Prescott's daughter Sarah, Aug. 
2, 1658. and had children born in Lancaster : Jacob, 1663 ; 
Zebediah, 1664; Sarah, r666 ; Elizabeth, 1669; Samuel, 
1671. He was made a freeman in 1669, and was killed by 
the Indians in 1676. His widow married Joseph Rice of 
Marlborough. Samuel went as a soldier in the Canada 
expedition, and died 1691. David and Hezekiah Whit- 
comb came into possession of Wheeler's rights. 



THE LANDS OF JOHN HOUGHTON 
his house Lott his house Lott where upon he hath built and planted 
Lyeih on the north side of Deans Urook bounded Southerly by the said 
Brook and northerly by the Loll of Richard Wheeler and easterly it buts 
upon the mill path and westerly it buts upon sum Land of his own that is 
part of his second denision and it Lyeth for twenty acors be it more or 

his enteruail Lott His enleruail Lott [is] ontheeastside of Penicook 
Riuer and is bounded westerly and norwest by the said Riuer and it is 
bounded easterly by the enteruail Swamp a highway of two Rods and half 
Runs through it to Go to the meadows and to Groten and that part of it 
thai Lyeth 00 the east side the path buls southerly by sum Land of James 
butler and northerly it buts upon a high way that Goes iuto Goodman 
Waieres Littel Round Meadow that Way Ljing belwen it and sum Land 
of John More now in the possession of Jeremiah Rogers and the other 
pari of it that Lyeth on the west side the path is bounded southerly by 
sum enteruail Land of Goodman Wateres Runing with a Comer up into 
the bent of the Riuer and it buts norlhardly with an angle upon Goodman 
White his feild so called both percels of enteruail Lyeth for hb Lott and 
for twenty acors be it more or Less. 

John Houghton came from England in the Abigail, 1635, 



■1 w A ' s ZT lAy'L-^-STEiL 



1 !=ere b:^. A ncit Wai* j&jce En die old vard 
reoirds his ce-jr: April 29- rfft^.. Hy wise's name was 
Beairix. AlrtoGgfe. be s^^s^ rie cc^Kursnt in 1653, it is 
cccbtfzl if ht C£zie bere 2? resaie ibr lereral Tears, as the 
recocGs Otf his chfLdnci's bcrtzs jre 3oc ttairy as ot Laiica»- 
I th^i of Beiiirix. izi i6c>;. la his will he mcntioiis 



his "^serea ciflinKi-'^ Tbej were Joan, bir-cn ab^Dot 1650 ; 
Rccen. ic^S : Jocas : M-iry : Br.trrix, 1665 : Bcaiaiiiiii, 
1666 : Sirai. 1672- I >^j * L z tae desertDoa ot the town die 
tirsjLj scsczhz refiig^ in Ch.t^jfwawnu At the re^setdement 
±e s:cL5 esCjLTLfsaeii oew homes ease cnT die riTer. upon 
Bndeviue PLiri. aow kxk: wn as die CXd Cocncaoo. The 
ot' 31: fLTviihl a harczsaial r:arse ;& Beasnx aiDong 
rise riziilT s crijcma l oeszz^at^:£:s :t the taoiilv. 



.s. • .;. 



:c h. aac 'r',-^ 5:c=«f fneer scoce iz ±.e ^nrm^g of real 
jt ac:r:fr*d- Th:Ls we fzii bi Johr H :'C^jlHi'"s various 
Dtls c-c' lizc. " R^isetniry =aej*ijw." * Horse swamp,*' 
Htc^uc's pari."" "Crarherry zaeaoow.* "The meadow 
c ±.e ±ree ijdtiizs.* * roc s o:r=er cxnnm^iicr.'" and 



T.cjccj ^xre =3ea*5:w."^ The cazi^r-er Bearris 

- .- ■^ ?j"*^. ^S^**'"!- 2!C « ic«^ ^- T*— "c "I'^'isc '*C-— - ^ ci^- became 



inj Tc-Lr5 serr:::^ -- 'Tir-jrc:* i:^*n :~c^:S- ire is repre- 



7HZ LA^^r^ :f ;:^^AJ^ fai^l^ankz 

t»- f. u :.. JLrr Ti«i i':»:is<' Lj— :c ' . c.!:!- iLjr:«^.i ; l-"ii* re tbe west 
5»:«iii i^c :c ■!:•; ".jw- rc-Zij: i-isc i.;t:L: 1T.12 i.^vi;.- :r Srr^Kr ire :t 



I-JT H-5 icrir.u-1 Ice: l-ii re rre fasc soe oc Peai- 
ccoc XTUfiT rii*j:'» ire JciT:.Tri:ci -it^-c :»:vLijr«c >:»i"T : ; dre Loci c£ lacco 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 295 

buts East upon a peice of Swampie brushie cnieruail the higlmay Crosing 
that end of it and it buts west upon Penicook Kiuer which Lott is l^id 
out to him for twenty acors be it more or Luss — 

Jonas Fairbank came from the same Enf^lish township as 
the- Prescotts, being the son of Jonathan Fairbank, who 
settled in Dedham. His marriage to Lydia, daughter of 
John Prescott, 28. .3"'". 1658, is the lirst recorded in Lan- 
caster. He had seven children: Mary, 1659; Joshua, 
1661; Grace. 1663; Jonathan, 1666; Hazadiah, 1668; 
Jabez, 1670; Jonas, 1673. He, with his son Joshua, were 
killed by the Indians, Feb. 10, 1676. and Iiis widow mar- 
ried Eiias Barron of Watertown, afterwards of Groton and 
Lancaster. Fairbank's home was upon the . farm now 
owned by Jonas Goss. By later allotments he acquired 
lands southward, including much of the farm now belong- 
ing to George A, Parker. Certain items in his inventory 
indicate that he was a carpenter by trade. His house lot 
had originally belonged to George Adams, whose right fell 
to the town through his inaction and absence. Of Fair- 
bank's sons. Jonathan was killed by the Indians in 1697 ; 
Junas removed to Watertown ; Jabez retained the paternal 
estate, attained prominence in town affairs, and as a lieu- 
tenant, gained some reputation in the Indian war. In 
the year 1700 he had lands laid out to him, "on both sides of 
danes Brook aboue Thomas Sawyers Sawmill." This site 
became the home of the Fairbanks, and so remained for a 
hundred years or more. George W. Howard now owns 
their homestead. 

THE LANDS OF JOHN RIGBE 

AoHse Lett The house Lott of John Rigbe Lyeth on the East Side the 
highway or Street that Lyelh between two Ranges of Lolls in the South 
end of the town buting west upon ihat high way and east upon the high 
way thai Goes to the South meadow bounded south by Che Common which 
he hath now taken ten acors of it for part of his Second deuision and 
Ijounded north by the house I-ott of Jacob farrati where he iiow dwelleth, 
[his Lnit is L.-iid out for ten acors and is Eighty Rods Long and twenty 
Rods wide and Lyeth for half a home I-ott be it more or Less — 



i 

i 



296 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 

His tMltruaH Lett His CDleniail LoU Lyelh on the east side penicook 
Riuer a lilld below whare the North Riocr lud Nashaway Riuer mveti^tli 
buting nest upon the Ri'uei and east [artly upon the upland and part upon 
the Still Riuer the Still Rioer Runing down through part of it iKHinded 
South by the Lott of Richard Smith now in the possession of Maior SinioD 
WiUard and bounded north by the LotI of I'hilhp Knight nuw in the po.^ 
sessioQ of thoRias Wilder this Lou bdng Laid out to him foi ten 3cors 
be it more or Less — 

The marriage of John Rigby and Elizabeth . in 

Laticaster, August 30. 1662. is duly recorded. Rigby was 
probably of Dorchester, son of John. He survived the 
massacre of 1676. but thenceforward disappears from Lan- 
caster records. The family name clings to an old highway 
between CHotoD and the Deer's Horns district, and a little 
brook. long bore the same name, for reasons not discovered. 
In 1715, James Wilder sold to Jabez Fairbank lands once 
Rigby "s. His tirst house lot is perhaps mostly included in 
the estate of the late Stcdman Xourse. Near Roper's 
Brook thereon is a hollow marking an old cellar, close to 
which, lil'ty years ago. were the decaying trunks of two 
huge apple trees — perhaps relics of the Rigby home. 

THE CHt'RCH LANDS RECORDED 

Ikr tnlermail for as much as in the begining of thb plantation of 
Lancaster (lie men apoynted by the General Court to Sett forwanl and 
ti> order and dispose of the a&iis of this plantation and amongst the 
Rest of thair fundimcntall orders whkh arc upon Record in the old town 
book and also to be found in the Book of orders thare is an act Slating of 
thirty acres of upland and fouitj acns of enteniail but upon seueral Con- 
siderations the town not trelt waying that former act hauc nescsitaied 
disposing of the Greatest part of the entenuil Land so a.i that tharc ts 
none left for the use aforesaid but a little peicc by master Rowlandsons 
house about four acres which Lyeth bounded northardly by the Itrook and 
part by master Rowlaodsoos fence and Southerly by the pine hill that is 
Laid out for Church Land and easterly it buts upon a hill of apland of 
master Rowlandsoos and westerly it buts upon the meadow at GipsoB 
hill;— 

tMg upltmd the thirty acres of upland is Laid out Southerly from the 
enteruail and is bounded notthetly by the said enleruail and by sum Land 
of master Rowlandson and Southerly by the Stated Common one Comer 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 297 

mark being a pine tree by the enteruail hill Gate and another in a Little 
Swamp and easterly it is bounded by Goodman Prescutts and Goodman 
Sawyers fence and westerly it is bounded by the Stated Common and is 
laid out for thirty acors be it more or Less by Jacob farrah and Ralph 
Hougbton : — 

the meadow The meadow Laid out by the four men apoynted and Im- 
powered to Lay out the first deuision of meadows on the east side of the 
hemp Swamp and Lyeth bounded easterly by sum pine Land of Ralph 
Houghton and westerly by sum brushie enteruail Land of Edward Brick 
and thomas Joslin and Ralph Houghton which is there for Conueniancie 
and it buts northerly upon a swamp of the said Ralph Hough tons and 
southerly upon a pine bill. 

Recorded this 15: March 1669/70: by me Ralph Houghton 



THE LANDS OF THOMAS WILDER 

his house Lott his house Lott p** wherof is situate Lying and being 
within a Certain tract of Land Stated by the town for a Common it being 
allowed by the town at the same time the Common was Stated Lying near 
to the Walnutt Swamp and Red Spring upon the Riuer a Littel below both 
buting east upon the North Riuer and west upon the Common and also 
bounded South and north by the Common there being Seuenteen acors 
Laid out to him : and three acors Lying bounded east by his enteruail 
at the Walnutt Swamp whare he hath fenced and brok up Land and west 
by the Stated Common buting north upon the North Riuer and Runs with 
a Sharpe angle coming to nothing at the south end and Runin^ into the 
Line of his enteruail both of which percels of Land are Laid out to him 
for twenty acors be thay more or Less — 

his enteruaU Lott His enteruail Lott Lying at the Walnutt Swamp the 
Gratest part of it bounded easterly by the North Riuer and westerly by his 
three acors of upland and partly by the Stated Common butting northardly 
upon the North Riuer and Southardly upon his Seuenteen acors of upland 
part of his house Lott a highway Crosing the enteruail from the neck to 
the Commons at the usual place where the herd useth to pass ouer the 
North Riuer the highway being fine Rods wide there being sixteen acors 
and fourty Rods the Rest by which it is made up twenty acors Lyeth below 
upon the Riuer begining where his Seuenteen acors of upland ends and 
so foloweth the Riuer to an elbo or bend in the Riuer and a Great pine 
tree on the Common on the upland a Litle before Goodman Joslins enter- 
uail corns in bounded easterly by the Riuer and west by the Stated Com- 
mon buting north upon his Seuenteen acors of upland and Southarly 
upon that bent in the Riuer and Great pine tree both of which percels of 
enteruail is Laid out to the said Goodman Wilder for twenty acors be they 
more or Less. 



298 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



? 



Thomas Wilder, or, as he signed himself, "Wyellder," 
never resided upon the above house lot, but bought of John 
Tinker a house and land half a mile south, next to John 
Prescott's Cowdall purchase, then known as the Knight lot. 
This remained the home of the Wilders for more than one 
hundred and fifty years. Wilder was about forty years of 
age when he came here from Charlestown, in 1659. He 
had been admitted to the church there in 1640, and was 
made freeman in 1641. Upon his arrival in Lancaster he 
was at once installed in the position of selectman, vacated 
by John Tinker's removal. He died October 33, 1667. 
The inventory of his estate sums 405 pounds 18 shillings. 
There are named in his will, his wife Ann. and children 
Mary.Thomas, John, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, and Ebenezer. 
None of these were born in Lancaster. Thomas and John, 
at the re-settlement of the town established their homes on 
Bridecake Plain, now known as the Old Common, living 
on the north side of the highway. Nathaniel retained the 
old homestead, and was there an inn-keeper for nearly 
twenty-five years. During the war of tlie Revolution, 
twenty-two soldiers bearing the family name Wilder served 
for Lancaster, then including Sterling. In the year 1798 
there were seventeen landholders in town named Wilder, 
exceeding the number of WHlards, the next most frequent 
patronymic, by four. Thomas Wilder's daughter Mary 
married Daniel Allen, a cooper in Charlestown, and upon 
a gift of forty acres of land from her father, they came to 
Lancaster, bringing children born in Charlestown and 
Watertown, but after some years' residence here, returned 
to Watertown, Their son Ebenezer returned to Lancas- 
ter, and his son Ebenezer was a man of note here in revo- 
lutionary times. The Allen liomeslead is in tlie borders of 
Clinton, and now occupied by E. A, Currier. Benjamin 
Allen, who had children born in Lancaster before the mas- 
sacre, was probably a brother of Daniel. In 1716, Thomas 
Tucker had lands under Thomas Wilder's rights, near 
Clamshell Poad. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 299 

THE LANDS OF MASTER JOSEPH ROWLANDSON 

kit tHlerunil Lott and Land in Lew of a hintst Lott He hath twenty 
Six acres of enteruail and also Thirteen acres of upland the enteruail 
Giuea him in L«w of an enteruail Lott anil ihe upland in Lew of a house 
Loll by [he town and it Lyeth togather all in one peice as It was Laid out 
by Jacob farrah and Ralph Houghton in the nignt pasture within that 
fence that was formerly sett up by the Copartners bounded norihardlj by 
the sd night pasture fence pari of the fence being standing when the Land 
was Laid out, Southardly by the North Riuer easterly by penicook Riuer 
and westerly by the Lott of Richard Smith then in Possession of Master 
John Tinker and northeast by the town highway In the night pasture the 
whole Lyeth for thirty nine acors be it more or Less. Recorded this : i; : 
I ; mon : 1669 By me Ralph Houghton 



Sufficient has been said of the origin of the namt^ " night 
pasture," in former pages. This land is now divided 
among many owners, and cut in twain by a highway. 
The larger portion is in the farm of Charles L. Wilder. 
In 1687, Joseph Rowlandson, the son of the minister, sold 
it to Philip Goss, merchant, of Boston, who died in 1698. 
John, the son of Philip Goss, sold it to Simon Stevens, 
and he, May 5, 1727, transferred it to Captain Samuel 
Willard, together with the Major Simon Willard home- 
stu-ad adj'oining it on the west. The minister's residence 
was never upon this land, but for his convenience was 
located quite near the mee ling-house, which stood on the 
highest ground in the middle cemetery. The Rowlandson 
property in that place is not described in the Bookof Lands, 
but its bounds have been discovered elsewhere. Joseph 
Rowlandson, junior, probably came back to Lancaster and 
rebuilt, for January 20, 1687. calling himself of Lancaster, 
he deeds to Philip Goss : — 

his Dwelling house in Lancaster and orchard and all y° Land about the 
house as it lyeth bounded Easterly by a street or highway and westerly 
partly by a brook and partly by some ministerial! meadowish Land and it, 
and butts southerly upon a little Hill by the Meeting House, & northerly 
upon someCoiiion Land according as it is already fenced . . And also other 
peice of Land known by y' name of burying place Hield, bounded North- 
erly by the North Riuer, and southerly by Jonathan Prescotts Land, ajid 



300 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



it buia Westerly upon Ihe said street or highway and Easterly U buts upon 
the Land of Jonathan Frescolt taking in both upland and Intervale a high 
way lying through it to the burying place, and also a peice of Inierv^le 
known by ihe nnine of Kerley Intervale .... and alsu a house Uitt of 
Twenty acres .... upon which George Newby liues [nwur H'litno/ 
Swamfi'] .... and his mcjdow Lott in (he (irst Division lying neer 
Gibsons Mill .... 

Nov. 23, 1710, Philip and Judith Goss of Brookfield 
deeded the homestead to Hooker Osgood, a saddler, from 
Andover : 

being the place where Mr Joseph Rowlandson formerly lim^d one part 
thereof lying on the east side of the highway on which pelce the barn 
standeth, It is by estimation about ten acres of upland and Iniervak . . 
. . bounded west l>y the highway northerly by the North Riuer and comes 
to 3 point neer the meeting of the Riuers. and bounded southerly partly 
by y' burying place and partly by some Land_nowin possession of Mr 
John Prentice .... Keseruing liberty of coouienient passage fur the 
Inhabitants of Lancaster to the burying place, also one Barn & fencing 
standing on y* Land, also about six acres more or less lying on y* west side 
of sd highway on which land y* Dwelling house formerly stood [it was 
burntd by /ttdians. 1704] together with all orcharding te fencing ou sd 
land, and is bounded easterly by the highway towards the bridge and 
westerly by a Urook .ind partly by ministers medow and butts southardly 
on a peicc of ministry Land and northerly it comes neer to the Kiuer by 
the Uridge . . . ■ 

Thomas Rowlandson, the father of the minister, must 
have come from Ipswich to Lancaster very soon after his 
son's settlement, with wife Bridget, but his name does not 
appear among the grants of lands. He ditd here, Nov. 
17, 1657, and his widow married William Kerley. senior. 
31. .3.™ 1659. A curious item in the inventorj- of his estate, 
which summed 113^ 9' 9:!, is : "Old shop tools Damnified 
by salt water, being Left at Charlstown by the Sea Shores, 
a Long ttea-vm, accounted at 3'." 

Joseph Rowlandson, born in England, was sole graduate 
at Harvard Coll(;ge in 1653. began to preach at Lancaster, 
1654. and W3* urdiiincd in 1660. He married .Mary, daugh- 
ter of John Whili-, and had children; Marj*, 15. .11. .1657, 



I 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 301 

died 20.. 1 1.. 1660; Joseph, 7..1..1661 ; Mary, 12.. 6.. 1665 ; 
Sarah, 15 Sept., 1669. He went to Wethersfield, April, 
1677, as colleague of Reverend Gershom Bulkeley, and 
died suddenly, Nov. 3, 1678. The son Joseph died in 
Wethersfield, in 17 13. 

THE LANDS OF JAMES BUTLER 

his house Lott and enteruail first he hath a tract of Land being for 
the most part pine Land Laid out to him to the southward of the Cold 
Spring which is Laid out to him for 134 acors be it more or less so much 
being his due acording to order and Grant of the town to him 20 acres 
whereof is for a house Lott and 40 acres in Lew of an enteruail Lott, 60 
acors for his second deuision of upland and 14 acors in Lew of his second 
deuision of enteruail and it Lyeth all together and it buts easterly upon a 
Rokey bushey hill of Common upland and westerly it buts upon a pine 
plain the South west corner marke standing near to a brook taking in the 
Brook and southerly it is bounded by hillie pine Land for the most part 
and northardly it is bounded by pine lland and sum Rocky Called Ratel 
Snake hill the northeast Corner is near to sum Land of Edmon Parker 

James Butler, in 1664, received from Rebecca Joslin, 
widow of Thomas, certain land east of Still River. The 
above lands, recorded 1666, are upon the east slope of 
Wataquadock, and there his son James lived after the mas- 
sacre, the elder James Butler dying March 19, 1681, and 
his widow, Mary, marrying John Hinds. 

THE LANDS OF JOHN HINDS 

John hinds hath his thirtie acre lott Granted by the town Lying one the 
east side of the Nashaway Riuer in seueral places one peice Lying to the 
Southeast of Ratlesnake hill .... More he hath a peice Laid out at the 
bead of the Little Brook that Runs threw James Butlers Land near his 
house place 

John Hinds, and Mary, widow of James Butler, were 
married Feb. 9, 1681-2. Hinds came from Woburn. By 
a former wife he had a son James, and perhaps others. 
By Mary, in Lancaster, he had John, 1683 5 Jacob, Hope- 
still, Enoch, Hannah, Deborah, and Experience. He re- 
moved to Brookfield, but his son John remained on the 
homestead, southeast of Wataquadock. 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



H 



THE LANDS OF JOHN WARNER AND JOHN PRIEST 

lhrirz:yi:acr€ iMli Part whereof is Laid oat acotdti^ to town 
Grant on th« eastward side of Bare htil easterly it b bounded by sum 
Common undiuided upland baring lonards Goodman Moors meadow and 
westerly by ihe ass«at of bare hill for the mosi part and south and north 
by Common undeuided upland and Lyeth for 24 acres be it more or Less : 
more thay baue another peice l^d out for 36 acres be it more or Less on 
which thay haue built bounded northerly by sum Land of Natbaoiel 
Wallis [tl'alci'] and on alt other sides by common undiuided n|daiid and 
is Laid out to them for their two thirty acre Lotts 

John Warner was from Woburo, where, by wife Sarah, 
he had children : John, 1684 ; Sarah, 1686. A headstone 
in the Old Common Cemetery records the death of Re- 
bekah Warner, daughter of John and Sarah, March 30, 
1718. aged 20. Samuol and Ebenezer Warner, taken into 
the church 171^1-16, were sons of John. 

John Priest was also from Woburn, where were bom hts 
children: Elizabeth, 1679: John, 1681 ; Daniel. i6S6. 
The homes of Warner and Priest were upon the eastern 
slope of Bare Hill in Harvard, where John Priest com- 
manded a garrison in 1704. 

THE LANDS OF WILUAM HUDSON 
30 arret Granttd by tht town 6 aereafor killing uvlues William Hud- 
scm hath hU thirty acre Lolt Granted by Ihe Town Laid out on the north 
side a Range of Lotts in the south end of the town ne« to (he Stated 
Common twenty acres be it more or Less bounded southerly by a Lott 
whear George Newbey Liues and northerly by the Staled Common and it 
buts easterly upon a highway that Leades to the Lolts in the north enter- 
uail and to Walnult Swamp and westerly upon the Slated Common And 
also Sixteen acres be it more or Less len acres whearof is part of his 
thirty acre Lott and six acres due to him by a town agreament for killing 
of wolues the whol sixteen acres Laid out in a plain thai Lyelh west or 
South west from Waloull Swamp 

(R«ord«l .6B7-] 

William, son of Daniel Hudson, was bom June 12, 1664. 
in Lancaster. In 1690 he was prosecuted for bastardy, 
made a brilliant but unavailing written defence, and fled, 
so far as the records show, never to return. His neighbor. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 303 

George Newby, about the same date was convicted -of being 
a libertine, probably a thief, and certainly — what was per- 
haps esteemed more unpardonable in those days — a slan- 
derer of the minister, and a despiser of the catechism. 
He, too, disappears. They lived on George Hill, perhaps 
not far from the Divoll place. Newby lived upon land be- 
longing to Joseph Rowlandson. 

LANDS OF JOHN BUSH 

30 acre Grant Twenty acres of upland formerly Granted John Bush 
by the town is Laid out near Makamachekamucks hill .... John Bush 
hath more ten acres of Land Giuen him by the town Laid out in three 
seueral places 5 acres whareof Lyeth on the east side the plumtree mead- 
ows on both sides a little brook Called Bemans Brook .... one acre 
whearof is allowed for a highway through his Land to Joshua A thertons 
House two acres more or Less Lying on both sides a Little Brook Called 
Kerleys Brook .... fower acres more or Less Lying on the north west 

side of Bare hill .... 

[Recorded 1684 and 1694.] 

Besides the town grant, Bush had lands given him by 
Major Willard, which his son John sold to Samuel Willard 
and Benjamin Bellows, with the above grant, in 17 10. 
John Bush, senior, died Sept. i, 1688, leaving a widow, 

Hannah (who married Rutter) and two children, 

John and Sarah. 

THE LANDS OF JAMES FROST 

30 acres his first T^tt A discription of a 30 acre Lott formerly Laid 
out to Nathaniel Wales by uertue of a town Grant but now in the posses- 
sion of James frost as appears by a Later Grant of the town to him the sd 
frost and also with the Consent of NathP Hutson who had formerly had 
a Grant of sd Lott by the town but sence Resigned it up to the town again 
Laid out to sd frost the most part of it on the east side of bare hill bound- 
ed easterly by the Land of John Warner & Southerly by Common Rockey 
Land and northerly by Common undiuided Land on the sd bare hill and 
westerly by common Land baring towards the meadow path and is Laid 
out for 25 acres : and another peice of Swampy meadowish Land .... 
Laid out for thirty acres be thay more or Less togather with 30 pounds 

Right and estate on the town Book : — 

[Recorded 1694.] 



304 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



Nathaniel Wales was of Milton. James Frost was, per- 
haps, of Billerica. As neither of these granleea appear 
again in land records, they probably abandoned their 
claims. 

THE LANDS OF JOSIAH WHEELER 
The Lands pf Josuh Wheeler Granted him by the town being his 30 
acre Lott and other deuisioo : there is Laid oul lo the sd Josiah Wheeler 
lnrcDty three acres of his first Lott Lying whear he tirst built not for from 
the bog swamp his house Sl^uidiiig oear the middle of sd Land .... 
and buts on Marlbrough path the east Line fiai\ of It Runs ouer a Rockey 
hlU and tatcs in a Long pine Swamp at that side and a lillle aboue the 
house the line turns with a short Crook and so Runs up to Marlbmugh 
path this peicc 13 acres more he hath seuen acres Laid out apon the 
brook that Runs from ht^ Swamp meadows to Spectacle meadow near 
wharc sd Ilrook Corns out of the bog Swamp meadows and Lyeth mostly 
on the nuttb udc of the Brook .... both peices is Laid out for his 
first thirty acres Granted him by the Town Read the 5*^ : of febniary 
1699/ 10 in ortkr tu be Recortted : — 

In the chtirch records. 1710, "Josiah \\lieeler and his 
wife iWm Conctinl church," were admitted members of the 
Lanrastcr church, \ahum Ward purchased ten pounds 
(own right of Josiah Wheeler, on Wataquadock, about 17 18. 

THE LANDS OF JEREMIAH WILLSON 
JO mtrt LMt Grtmtrd ty Uf CMt« Ictemiah WiUson hatb his 30 acre 
Lott Gnnttd by the town Laid out in difee pteccs oa tbe east side Nash- 
away Riaci one peice Lii^ near the Cold Sfriag bf the CottBUvy Road 
boondeit mirth by the Cowunr high «»]r kad Sooth by the ConnoB l^ind 
aad wvsi by Sum Laad of GaaMlid IkaMit adioywiBg to ti and east by 
Sum CouHMM LAnd Left far a Cart vay to James Bailers Land whan 
hb hotise stood and tbe said peke of Laad is Laid oat far sii acres 
umI half be it More or Less : — Uorv be hub a peke Laid oat on tlw hill 
abooe that bonMled cast by snbb Land of Roger Sornncr aad vest bjr 
CamnMS Land and Sonth by Commoo Rochej Land and north faf Swn 
Coiwnan Land that Ljcth betwixt it and the Coontiir hi^waj and L^eth 
fat feMTtcca ams be U More or Less .... Uvc he hath a a pc« at 
Land Laid ont «■ Ae top of Waoqaadoke UI o« [be oorth side tbe 
Coantiie h^«aj W UaAmch bniwg Soub on ihe sd «a; wd north 
on soM Land of Nathaniel Josfis JoyaMg 10 his *Q«hnest Corner Mafke 
Md CM «W aesi k is bovnlal hj p 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 305 

for nine acres and half be it more or Less : and was Laid out by John 

Houghton all the sd three peices of Land are Laid out for his fiill due 

for his thirty acre Lott be it more or Less : — 

[Recorded 1690.] 

Jeremiah Wilson was the son of Benjamin of Charles- 
town. The stone over his grave in the Old Common burial 
ground tells us that he died March 22, 1743, aged 77 years. 
He was an active church member at the coming of Rever- 
end John Prentice, and had sons Benjamin and Nathaniel. 

THE LANDS OF JOHN MOORE 

A discription of Sum Land Laid out for John Moore being part of the 
Lott Granted for him by the town and Land belonging to it he hath one 
peice Laid out near the Cartway that Lyeth Round Wataquatock hill in an 

ash swamp 3 acres be it more or Less : one peice of 

Land Laid out to John Moore part of his 30 acre Lott in a plain .... 
six acres be it more or Less : and also he hath about three quarters of an 
acre Laid adioyning to thair former Land by their house at the place whare 

a yong orchard is planted More Laid out for sd John Moore 

about 50 acres of Land being part of the Lott and Lands in deuisions be- 
longing that was Granted for him by the town and Lyeth on the east side 
of the way to Marlbrough part of it was formerly Laid out by Insine John 
Moore and Lyeth in one Intire peice and bounded westerly partly by sd 

Road and partly by a Spruce Swamp 

[Recorded 1708-9 and 1714-15.] 

THE 30 ACRE LOTT GRANTED TO JOSEPH MOORE 

A discription of the thirty acre Lott Granted for Joseph Moore and 
since his Death sd Lott is acounted to his brother Jonathan Moore & is 

Laid out to him as followeth part of said Lott is Laid out near 

to hog Swamp .... laid out for two acres be it more or less : — more he 
hath another peice Laid near to it being a long slip of meadowish Ground 

.... two acres be it more or less : — more he hath a peice of upland 
laid out towards the Great hill by hog swamp meadow adjoyning to his 

former Land twelue acres be it more or Less : — more he hath a 

Long Slip Lying betwen that and his house in the edge of a swamp 
bounded west by his former Land .... fiue acres be it more ' or Less : 

ten acres formerly marked out by Insine John Moore .... 

nine acres of the said ten is Laid out to the said Jonathan Moore to make 

ap his first 30 acors and one acre on the acount of the 30 pound Right 

Granted with sd Lott : 

[Recorded 1708-9.J 

20 



3o6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



1 



Joho. Joseph and Jonathan Moore were sons of Ensign 
John and Ann (Sntith ) Moore. In the oldest Bolton burial 
place, east ol' Wataquadock, the headstones above the graves 
of John and Jonathan state that the former died in 1740, 
aged 79 years, and the latter in 1741, aged 74 years. They 
had a garrison east of Wataquadocic in 1704. 

THE LANDS OF CALEB SAWYER 

A discHpiion of Sum Land Laid out for Caleb Sawyer January 14; 

1716/17 He hath fifty six acres and a half of Land Laid out in one intire 

peice on the easterly side of Bare hill whear the sd Caleb Sawyer now 

LIueth and is bounded southerly for a Considerable par! of that Line upon 

a highway and hath a highway of fiue Rods wide Lying through 

sd Land allowed for in meashur sd way being near 90 Rods in Length in 

sd Land twenty six acres and half is part of his 30 acre Lott in 

the first deuislon Granted him by the town and was Laid out to him for- 
merly by Ralph Houghton and is now encompased and Included within 
the LJnes aboue priscribed the whole Laid out for fifty six acres and half 
more or Less ; the other part of his first deuision of his 30 acre Lotl 
Lyelh on the easterly side of Bare hill towards the northerly end it being 
a peice of meadow Ground called the horse meadow 

Caleb Sawj'er was the fifth son of Thomas Sawyer, and 
grandson of John Prescott, born 1659. 

SAMUEL BENNETS LAND 
Samuel BmnHs 30 aire Lott Granted him by the tcwn now Skeafi 
A discriplion of the thirty acre Lott Granted to Samuel Bennil and since 
Exchanged by him for the thirty acre Lott formerly Granted by the town 
to John Willard the said t^tt Granted to Samuel Bennit t>eing now in the 
possession of William Sheaf of Charlstown Laid out one the west side 
of t>are hill a Little distant from Joshua Atherlons meadow and Is bound- 
ed on all sides by common uiidiuided Land It being Eighty Rods Long 
and Sixty Rods wide : the discriplion whearof was Read before the town 
the fifth day of february : 1693/4 in order to be recorded .... 

Samuel Bennett was the son of George, who was the 
grandson of Richard Linton. George Bennett was slain 
in Monoco's raid. Aug. 21, 1675, and left widow Lydia and 
children — John, born 1659; Mary, 1661 ; Samuel, 1665; 
George, 1669: Lydia. 1674- Samuel owned Linton's lands 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 367 



in the centre of Lancaster. Samuel Bennett's saw-mill, 
"up the north river," is mentioned as early as 1717. He 
died 1742, aged seventy-seven years. Bennett sold his 
John Willard lot to Joseph Waters, and it was by him 
transferred to Isaac Hunt. 

JOHN WILLARDS LAND 

John Willards Lott 30 acres all Laid out hear This day being the first 
of febniary 1691 /2 the town Confirmed the Same to Benjmin Willard 
John Willards Lott now in the possession of Benimin Willard is Laid out 
in seueral peices one part whareof Lyeth betwen the Lands of Henery 
Willard and Zebadiah Wheelers Land bounded westerly by Henery Will- 
ards Land & easterly by Henery Willards & Zebadiah Wheelers Land and 
southerly by sum of his own Land Lying partly in a triangle : and he hath 
another peice on the south side of Zebadiah Wheelers Land and westerly it 
buts upon Henery Willards Land & easterly itbuts upon or near the Great 
pond meadow .... more he hath ten acres Lying near the Brook 
meadow .... which makes up his compliment of thirty acres Granted 
him by the town : Recorded this first february : 1691 /2 

p John Houghton Recorder 

If this land grant were proof of residence, Lancaster 
could perhaps claim one victim, at least, to the hideous 
persecutions for witchcraft. What relationship this John 
Willard bore to Benjamin and Henry, whose lands bor- 
dered upon this grant, has not been discovered. But the date 
of the record and the transfer to Benjamin, favor the opin- 
ion that this was the John Willard who had lived at Groton 
and suffered death at Salem after his attempted escape and 
capture at Lancaster. Robert Calef, in " More Wonders 
of the Invisible World," tells us : 

John Willard had been imployed to fetch in several that were accused ; 
but taking dissatisfaction from his being sent to fetch up some that he had 
better thoughts of, he declined the Service, and presently after he himself 
was accused of the same Crime and that with such vehemency, that they 
sent after him to apprehend him : he had made his Escape as far as Nash- 
awag, about 40 Miles from Salem: yet tis said those Accusers did then 
presently tell the exact time, saying now Willard is taken. 



m 



30S ASSAL5 (W LASC\STER. 

He WIS aried ior wi:chczan, cocTicted upon the absurd 
statemeots 01' hU accu^aeri. and hung Aug. 19, 1692. A 
lull account oi" his iHal is giwn in "Groton ia the Witch- 
craft "nmes," by the HoiK>raI>'e Samuel A. Green. 

THE LAND OF CAPT BORD.MAN 
Lvd ou) tcr C'p: Booi'saa •>« baadrcd Ancs of Land being Granted 
by <ht Jxma t^ iv:s C>n=da:ba- S9K<faea Dar oeir Wascharomb one peice 
<rf siwy «CT«s ihiievM'^ Lwh spi'* a faiQ caDed wasctncomb hill upon the 
Donfa side thireot - - . . t^ <>*«■ iccrt y acres L}-eth under a Great hill 
aboue a inea.;ow calkd ;«si«::» soeadov .... Laid out febraary the 



\Mlliam Bt^rdmao. the grand5on of Steven Day, and 
adraini<.u^tor ot" hifi estate, received the above grant as 
some recoi^nition by the town ol" the services of one, who, 
more than any other of the tirst proprietors, save John 
Prescott, aideii in establishing the settlement and forward- 
ing its interests. Steven Day of Cambridge, England, 
reached America in lO^lS, being, though a locksmith by trade, 
brought over as a primer b\- the Reverend Jesse Glover. 
GIr.ver died duiiii;; the passage, but Day, early in 1639, 
5e! up lor the widow the iirsl printing press in America 
north <-•{ Mexii-o. and during that year printed "the Free- 
man> Oath " and an almanac, and the next year, " the Book 
of Psalms." In 104! the General Court took notice of his 
enterprise, as follows : 

Stephen Day. Iieing the first th.it set u;xiii printing, is granted 300 acres 
T>h*re it m.iy bee convenient w-Vut preiuilice lo any town — 

[ M.isuchusetls Records.] 

But Day is soon found in tinancial difficulties. In 1643 
the court released him from jail upon his giving "100* bond 
for his appearance when he is called for," and in 1644 he 
is again under duress, sending from prison a petition for 
n-lief, complaining of the harsh dealing of creditors. In 
1647 he had been deposed from the management of the 
Cambridge press, his son Matthew, first steward of Har- 



vard College, receiving his place. Matthew died in 1649, 
and Day became a journeyman printer at the press he had 
set up, under Samuel Green, where he remained until his 
death, in 1667. He never lived in Lancaster, though often 
here. He owned two house lots, that next Prescott's Cow- 
dall purchase on the north , which he sold tu Phi lip Knight, 
and the lot afterwards assigned to John Roper, which Day 
obtained of Solomon Johnson, exchanging for it his three 
hundred acre grant, above mentioned. His land rights 
here were all vacated finally by his inability to improve 
them. 

In Massachusetts Archives, xxx, 134-5, is the following 
petition of Steven Day, giving his own estimate of his 
labors in behalf of Lancaster in its infancy : 

To iht Honaured Gemrall Court now sitting at Boston ; 

The humble Petition of Steven Day ; In most humble wise sheneth ; 
That whereas yo' Fetilion' was one of the first vndertakers for the Planta- 
tion now called Lancaster, & for the furtherance of the Planting thereof 
at great cxpences of time & estate with both English & Indiana, for the 
gaining of a placid entertainment with the one, & helping on the other, 
as is well known to the Inhabitants of that place, as aliso in part to my 
neighbors who were eye witneases of my continued burthen, either by 
being absent from my Ramily, which was then more considerable than 
(through Gods I'roviclenee to me) now it is: or by entertaining both 
English & Indians at my own house from day to day for some ycares to- 
gether; yet so it hath hapned, that although many others haue increased 
their estates & comforts, by acquiring to themselues great AccofTiodations 
(by reason ol divine Providence obstructing my personal! residence there) 
1 haue failed of such personall Accoinodations in that place : And after 
all my Labo' & expence of time, strength & estate, although through Gods 
blessing on my endeavo" I haue a Town & a Church of God there setled, 
to behold as the birth of my Labo? which 1 esteem a greater Reward from 
God, then my own particular advancement: yet cannot rcjoyce in any 
Lands therein acijuirtd to me or mine. Now so it is. that the Sagamore 
of that Plantation \Mallkew\ (his ingenuity somewhat exceeding others 
of the barbarous Natives.) remembring my former kindnesses, hath by 
Deed of Gift giuen & granted vnlo me & my heires for ever, all his Right 
in a certain Tract of Planting Land, by him there for a long lime pos- 

My humble request therefore is for this favo! That a CoJTiittee of meet 



3IO 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



penoM appointed by this hoDooicfi Court may be impowctcd lo bound 
out the said Land vnto me. according to the rotent of the Law detennin- 
ing the Indians Right; with such an addition of Me;Miow as may happen 
to bl\ within the ftaating Lands: And (hat the same may be Legally 
aeded on me Sc mine by the Authority of this haooured Court. 
And yo* Pelioa' shall evei pray ttc. 

Endanementt I The Committee haaeing posed this Peticon : do 
Judge meet that 2 or 3 meet peisons be itnpowered to leiw & bound to y* 
Pelicioner. what shall appeare to be granted him by the Indians according 
to y true intent of y* law setliog the Indians right, and y' some small 
accomodacion of meadow be added thereto not exceeding 40 acc* — 
Thomas Danfohth 
21-3-1667 Edward Collins 

Hbnrv Bahtkolomew 
1. The deputyes doe not approuc of the returne of the comittee in 
answer to this petition, but doe Judge meete to graunt the pet* libertie to 
procure of the sd Indians by sale or otherwise to the quanlitie of one 
hundred & fifty Acors of vpland, & this Court dolh also graunt to ihe pet' 
twenty Acors of meaddow where he can find It free from former graunls 
& all w'" refference to the Consent of o' Honored Magists. hereto, 
24 - 3 - 1667— Consented to by y' magisf 

William Torrey Citric 



Steplien Day di 



111667. 



The papers from the case of "Administrator of Steven 
Days Estate, vs John Roper," found in Middlesex Court 
Files, give some facts in our local history not set down in 
town records : 

To the Marshall General i>r his Deputy or tu the Coiistuble ,</ LnHUHltr 
or his Deputy^ 
Vou are hereby required in his Majesties name to attach the goods or 
in want thereof the person of John Koper Sen' of l.ancaster and lake 
bond of him to the value of two hundred and fifly pounds with sufficient 
surety or aurelycs for his appearance alt the next County Court holden atl 
Cambridge upon the first day of October next, There and then to answer 
Ihe complaint of William Ilordman of Cambridge in an action of the case 
for denying of the said Bordnian full and true possession of house and 
Lands that is att present in the possession of said Roper in 
Lancaster which sometime was in the hands of Solomon Johnson Sen' 
now of Marlborough and .ifier that in the hand of Mr Stephen Day of 
Cambridge which house and lands with the appurtenances and priveledges 




MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 311 



thereto belonging doth by due and true right belong unto the said William 
■ Bordman with all due Dahiages about the same and hereof you are to 
make a true return under yo*" hand and not to fayle. Dated this 26 of 
July 1667 By the Court. Samuel Green 

I have attached the possessions of John Ropper and taken security, 
by the consent of the Plaintiff, his own Bond. 

Edward Mitchell Marshall 

Verdict, In the case depending betweene William Bordman & John 
Roper we find for the defendent. Costs of Court. 

Accompanying above is a copy of the town's grant of 
1653, and this certificate : 

This may certify any man vnto whom these p'sents may com. that 
about 9 years ago Mr Day of Cambridge laying claim to a lot somtime 
in the possession of Goodman Johnson of Marlborough, the Town was 
willing he should possess prouided he would subscribe to the orders of the 
Town which he readily consented to, and subscribed his hand to our Town 
book, wherin was this Act of the Town vpon Record. That euery one 
bound themselues to build, plant land and inhabit within one whole year 
after this acceptance of their lots or els to loose all their charges and Lots 
and pay 5*** to the Town, and herevnto Mr Day subscribed his hand the 
15**" I*' month 1653. ^"t he neuer came to inhabit, nor do anything about 
building or breaking Land vnto this day nor bear any publick charg, but 
about 6 or 7 years ago goodman Roper who somtime liued at Charles- 
town, desired to com to Hue among vs, and had a liking to that Lot being 
Mr Day bad forfeited it by his not keeping covenant w**» y*' Town. Yet 
notwithstanding the Town had so much respect to Mr. Day that they 
allowed him that goodman Roper should pay to Mr Day what buildings, 
fencing &c might be worth which both Mr Day and goodman Roper con- 
sented vnto. They made choise of vs whose hands arc subscribed to 
jvdg betwixt them what it may be worth that is to say the building and 
fencing as aforsaid, and it was judged that goodman Roper should pay 15* 
to Mr Day. 

Lancaster this 9 : 8 month: 1662. Witnesses 

John Prescott 
Ralph Houghton 

Swome in Court 1:8**^: 1667 by y*^ ptys subscribed as attests 

Thomas Danforth Re 

The lott in question was that upon the east end of which the George Hill school- 
house now stands. 



BIRTHS. MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS 



LANCASTER FAMILIES, 

1 645 -1 700. 



A YELLOW and ifym leaf frooi original records, in the 
backd-writing of Ralph Houghton, was. in 1826, dis- 
covered by Josiah Flagg. tuwn clerlt. among the papers c^ 
Captain Hezekiah Gates, and has been caretblly preserved- 
It contains the dates and names uf fift>- births in Lancaster 
pre^wus to 1666. The returns of the two earliest clerks 
of the writs, Ralph Houghton and Cyprian Stevens, seem, 
however, lo have been regularly made to the Middlesex 
Coart. and as found in the Middlesex Registry, have been 
printed in the New England Historical and Genealogical 
Register, xvi, 352-9, and x\ii, 70. Ten years bad elapsed, 
however, from the founding »( the tirst homes on the Nash- 
away, before Ralph Houghton was made clerk of the 
writs and began his returns : and for dates pre\'tous to 1656 
he must have relied upon family memorials and individual 
recollections. Errors and omisdons lor that period there- 
fore doubtless exist. If records were kept between 1686 
and 1700, no trace of them has been found. The first 
book of such records in the town archives contains a dis- 
orderly mass of material, its dates covering the eighteenth 
century. Of its three hundred and sixc>' pages one-third 
are devoted to "marriage intentions." The death roll is 
especially scant, having but three dates earlier than 1718. 
The birth records are at tirst by families, and to some cases 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 313 

may be complete from 1700. The book bears evidence of 
having been begun by John Houghton, but probably not 
before 1718, if so soon, the earlier births being gathered 
from family records. The following chronologically ar- 
ranged lists embrace those of the Middlesex Registry, and 
such other births, marriages and deaths in Lancaster fami- 
lies to A. D. 1700, as have been ascertained from various 
sources. When copied from an original record the orthog- 
raphy of the recorder has been retained. 

BIRTHS. 

The first birth noted by Ralph Houghton is that of 
Joseph Waters in 1647. It is quite possible that earlier 
births than this were unrecorded, for in previous pages it 
has been shown that the Prescott and Waters families were 
here in 1645 and 1646, and to each a son was added during 
those years, the place and exact date of whose birth have 
not been discovered. In a deposition Nov. 6, 1683, Jona- 
than Prescott is called "about thirty-eight," and in another of 
i67o,"twenty-three years old." The list of the Waters fam- 
ily, on a preceding page, shows so remarkable a regularity 
of periodic increase as almost to prove that a child was 
born here in 1645, or brought into the wilderness at an ex- 
ceeding tender age. Perhaps Adam Waters was the first 
white child bom in Lancaster, and Jonathan Prescott the 
second. 



A.D. Month. 


Day. 


Name. 


Parents. 


1645? — 


— 


Adam Waters. 


Lawrence and Ann {^Unton) . \not 
recorded^ . 


1646? 


— 


Jonathan Prescott. 


John and Mary {Plaits), [not re- 
corded"] . 


1647 2 


29 


Joseph Waters. 


Lawrence and Ann. 


1648 — 




Jonas Prescott. 


John and Mary, [not recorded]. 


1649 ' 


I 


K Jacob Waters. ? 
\ Rachell Waters. \ 


Lawrence and Ann. 


1649 5 


2 


Thomas Sawyer. 


Thomas and Marie (Prescott). 


1650 II 


16 


Ephraim Sawyer. 


Thomas and Marie. 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



I Daniel Hud-ton. 

S;imuell Waters. 

M^rio Sawyer. 
I Jolunnn Waters. 

iUrie Houghton. 

Marie Hudson. 

I James Alherwn. 

. \ Mai-&i r^rkor. { 

) tjitcr Parker. { 

John Hoi:ehvn. 
, Maiic More. 



IViv 



1 I'aiker 



Daniel and Joaniu. 
Lawrence and Ann. 
Thomas and Marie. 
Lawrence and Ann. 
Ralph and Jane. 
Daniel and Joanna. 
Richard and Marie, 
lames and Hanna. 
Edmur.d and Eli^btTr 
Thom.isaadMi.'ie. 
Kil-.h and Isat. 
loh=ir.d Ar.r. .S'Ku'i. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



315 



A.D. Month. 


Day. 


Name. 


Parents. 


i66r 


2 


6 


John Sawyer. 


Thomas and Marie. 


1661 


6 


19 


Mary Bennitt. 


George and Lidia. 


1661 


10 


20 


Waitestill Sumner. 

• 


Roger and Mary (yoslih). 


1661 


12 


17 


Sarah Houghton. 


Ralph and Jane. 


1662 


I 


4 


Dorathy Josllin. 


Nathaniel and Sarah. 


1662 


I 


10 


John Hudson. 


Daniel and Joanna. 


1662 


2 


7 


John More. 


John and Ann. 


1662 


4 


4 


John Rugg. 


John and Hannah {Prescott). 


1662 


8 


I 


Hittabel Rogers. 


Jeremiah and Abiah. 


1662 


10 


8 


Rachell Courser. 


Arklous and Rachell {Rofier), 


1663 


2 


18 


Thankefull Beaman. 


Gamaliell and Sarah. 


1663 


5 


2 


John Rigby. 


John and Elizabeth. 


1663 


5 


8 


Hannah Kerley. 


Henry and Elizabeth. 


1663 


5 


26 


Joseph Josllin. 


Abram and Beatrix. 


1663 


5 


31 


Barrachia Lewis. 


John and Hannah. 


1663 


8 


4 


Jehosephat Rogers. 


Jeremiah and Bia. 


1663 


9 


15 


Grace Fairbanke. 


Jonas and Lydia. 


1663 


9 


25 


Jacob Wheeler. 


Richard and Sarah (/Yesco//) . 


1663 


• 

II 


5 


Elizabeth Sawyer. 


Thomas and Mary. 


1664 


2 


17 


Samuell Allin. 


Daniell and Marie {lyiltier). 


i664 


4 


12 


William Hudson. 


Daniel and Joanna. 


1664 


5 


II 


Mercy Rugg. 


John and Hannah. 


1664 


5 


15 


Abigail Houghton. 


Ralph and Jane. 


1664 


6 


3 


Simon Courser. 


Archelaus and Rachel. 


1664 


7 


28 


John Divoll. 


John and Hannah {IVhite), 


1664 


8 


20 


Joseph Moore. 


John and Ann. 


1664 


II 


2 


Zebediah Wheeler. 


Richard and Sarah. 


1665 


? 


? 


Benjamin Willard. 


Simon and Mary. 


1665 


5 


17 


Steeven Gates. 


Steeven and Sarah (pyoodimrd) 


1665 July 


22 


Samuell Benit. 


George and Lidia. 


1665 


6 


5 


Mary Sumner. 


Roger and Mary. 


1665 


6 


8 


Rebecca Lewis. 


John and Hannah. 


1665 


6 


12 


Mary Rowlandson. 


Joseph and Mary. 


i66s 


9 


12 


Josiah Whetcomb. 


Josiah and Rebecca (IVaters). 


1665 


10 


3 


Beatrix Houghton. 


John and Beatrix. 


1665 


12 


22 


Peter Joslin. 


Nathaniel and Sarah. 


1666 


5 


6 


Abiah Rogers. 


Jeremiah and Abiah. 


1666 


5 


13 


Bethia Lewis. 


John and Hannah. 


1666 


5 


17 


Ann Moore. 


John and Ann. 


1666 




— 


Deborah Sawyer. 


Thomas and Mary. 


1666 


7 


'S 


Thomas Rugg. 


John and Hannah. 


1666 


8 


6 


Hannah Willard. 


Simon and Mary. 


1666 


8 


6 


Elizabeth Atherton. 


James and Hannah. 


1666 


8 


7 


Jonathan Fairbank 


Jonas and Lidia. 



3i6 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



A.D. Mai^ 


DV- 


!(_>. 


fw—. 


I«66 8 


■4 


MaiyKcrlcy. 


Hewyaad Eficabeih. 


i«66 lo 


■4 


Marie JosIiD. 


Abiam and Beatrix. 


1666 II 


7 


Elnzihan AUm. 


Danie) XDd Man. 


1666 ■■ 


7 


Jonah WhetoHBb. 


Josiah and Rebeco. 


1666 13 




Satab Wheder. 


Rkhanlud Sanh. 


l66rj»v 


6 


Ba^tbebK Rogen- 


JennnatiaMlAbbli. 


i66r April 


a 


Jafa.We(tee. 


TbonnsanllXbank. 


i667>toir 


36 


Hehitoye beuaa. 


GamalklmdSaiali. 


i6G7j«K 


7 


£Uaberiij(«li». 


\alba>ieta>dS>^. 


1667 jD-e 


12 


HHonhDWoll. 


Job* aad Hannah. 


1667 Ai*. 


3 


SiMmCaar^ 


ArTl--b«saBdI{acbd- 


1667 Sq>t. 


7 


Ab««aB»L^ 


Duud and Joaiua. 


i66rOct. 


16 


Banab M<yj. 


a«ij«e. 


1668- Jn. 


t 


AneHodsor 


;.■..-"-.' lod Joanm, 


i66Sl». 


31 


Pauiencr Lfwi&- 




■668 Feb. 


aa 


Darid WUitoBb. 




1668 Feb. 


aS 




;<•!»» ami Lidia. 


1668 Hanb 


tf 


George Benaetu 


<";e--;t n--? TJ^:!=- 


1668 April 


II 






1668 lh7 


■2 


M-T Wedge. 


1 'ab. 


1668 II7 


»S 


Be^piia HMchkMi 


John and beatrix. 


•668 J« 


iS 


M-yF-or 


Johiia«|vUr ,MdUw^. 


1668 Sept. 


17 


HuHhWhclRMb. 


Jonlkan ^.j HuGab. 


1668 Itac 


IS 


J««p*»»w. 


JobDawlH^ r^b- 


1669 Feb. 


2 


M-TPresc»«. 


Johnand .^nM-O- 


■669 Feb. 


20 


TbooatAlka. 




■669 Feb. 


36 




Haonah. 


■669 Uaidi 


38 


Jcsi^KerieT. 


}:.. ■ _. . .. ..-li. 


1669 March 


=9 


JicofcFarT:ir 


Jacob aod Haimah (HwiforJ). 


1669 Uar 


'9 


Jonaihan Uooie. 


John and .Ana. 


1669 M>J 


U 


EUnbeth U-becfer. 


Rkhaid aiMl Sanh. 


■669J»K 


I 


Debonli Adtcrtoo. 


James ud Hannah. 


i6G9Sept. 


'5 




Jc«ephaodMarj. 


■e69Sepc 


=7 


JiKohDtralL 


John and HanuJi. 


■669 Nov. 


3S 


JokaFamh. 


John and Marr. 


■669l>ec. 


■4 


Jomha lAltbid 


Sm^amAit^ 


l6no . 


30 


J«b«We«(Br 


-TlMHnd beborab. 


1673 J 


II 


MMTCoyner. 


AicbebBMdltadbd. 


i6ro 5 


17 


LiDrarae. 


«ttM«Mf£SabcdL 


1673 6 


16 


GewseFwrah. 


JwobaadllwA 


1670 9 


=4 


joouhuKctde. 


j«b.>.dnabc(b (ir^rf). 


i6-» 9 


^ 


Nathaud Sa«n«r. 


TlnmadlbiT. 


i6r» M 


2 


HaBBahRiqX- 


JohaandHaM^ 


1670 II 


S 


Jabei Faiibank. 


JousandLidk. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 



317 



A.D. Month. 


Day. 


Name. 


167I 


I 


10 


Maria Moore. 


1671 


2 


29 


Samuel Wheeler. 


167I 


3 


2 


Twins Prescott. 


167I 


3 


»5 


Nathaniel Hudson. 


1671 


4 


20 


John Lewis. 


167I 


6 


29 


Hannah Whetcomb. 


167I 


7 


10 


^ Benjamin Allen. ) 
) Hannah Allen. ^ 


167I 


8 


9 


Rebecca Sumner. 


167I 


9 


12 


Rebecca Whetcomb. 


167I 


9 


16 


Hannah McLoud. 


167I 


'9 


26 


Israel Rogers. 


1671 


10 


27 


Mary Whetcomb. 


1671 


II 


30 


Mary Sawyer. 


1672 


I 


5 


William Bennett. 


1672 


2 


8 


William Divoll 


1672 


2 


10 


Jonathan Prescott. 


1672 


2 


18 


Joseph Atherton. 


1672 


3 


14 


Rebecca Joslin. 


1672 


4 


10 


Martha Kerley. 


1672 


4 


27 


Ruth Whitcomb. 


1672 


S 


30 


Sarah Houghton. 


1672 


6 


6 


John Farrar. 


1672 . 


6 


26 


William Lincorne. 


1672 


9 


22 


Mary Steevens. 


1672 


9 


. 24 


John Prescott. 


1672 


II 


26 


Priscilla Roper. 


1672 


12 


13 


John Houghton. 


1673 


I 


12 


Abigail Allen. 


1673 


I 


23 


Samuel. Waters 


1673 


3 


6 


Jonas Fairbank. 


1673 


3 


16 


Rebecca Rugg. 


1673 


5 


II 


John Wilder. 


1^3 


6 


10 


Martha Sawyer. 


1673 


II 


2 


Susanna Rogers. 


1673 


II 


2 


William Lewis. 


1673 


II 


26 


William Sumner. 


1673 


12 


26 


Elizabeth Lincorne. 


1674 


I 


8 


Johanna Whitcomb. 


1674 


2 


17 


Jacob Houghton. 


1674 


3 


5 


Abigail Whitcomb. 


1674 


3 


9 


Beatrix Joslin. 


1674 


6 


7 


Lidia Bennett. 


1674 


? 


• 


Sarah Whitcomb. 



Parents. 

John and Ann. 
Richard and Sarah. 
Jonathan and Dorothy. 
Daniel and Joanna. 
John and Hannah. 
Jonathan and Hannah. 

Benjamin and Hannah. 

Roger and Mary 
Josiah and Rebecca. 
Mordecai and Lidia {Lewis) . 
Jeremiah and Abiah. 
Job and Mary. 
Thomas Jr. and Sarah. 
George and Lidia. 
John and Hannah. 
Jonathan and Dorothy. 
James and Hannah. 
Nathaniel and Sarah. 
Henry and Elizabeth. 
John and Mary. 
John and Beatrix. 
Jacob and Hannah. 
William and Elizabeth. 
Cyprian and Mary {IViiiard.) 
John and Sarah. 
Ephriam and Priscilla. 
John Jr. and Mary {Farrar). 
Benjamin and Mary. 
Samuel and Mary {Hudson). 
Jonas and Lidia. 
John and Hannah 
John and Hannah. 
Thomas and Mary. 
Jeremiah and Abiah. 
John and Hannah. 
Roger and Mary. 
William and Elizabeth. 
Josiah and Rebecca. 
John Jr. and Mary. 
Jonathan and Hannah. 
Abraham Jr. and Ann. 
George and Lidia. 
John and Mary. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



319 



A. D. Month. 

16S4 Feb. 
1684 May 
16S4 May 
1684 Sept. 

1684 Nov. 



Day. 

29 

8 

12 

29 

22 



1685 Jan. 22 

1685 Feb. 20 

1685 April 20 

1685 Sept. 3 

1686 July 24 

1686 Dec. ' 8 
1786 — — 

1687 March 30 



Name. 

Gamaliel Beman. 
Anna Houghton. 
John Whitcomb. 
John White. 

! Isaac Wheeler. 
Experience Wheeler 

Sarah Wilder. 

Jonathan Houghton. 

Jonathan Wilder. 

Beatrix Houghton. 

John Wheeler. 

Peter Jo.slin. 

Dorothy Wilder. 

Edward Sawyer. 



\ 



Parents. 

John and Priscilla. 
John and Mary. 
Jonathan and Hannah. 
Josiah and Mary. 

Isaac and Experience. 

Thomas and Mary. 
John and Mary. 
Nathaniel and Mary. 
Robert and Esther. 
Isaac and Experience. 
Peter and Sarah. 
Nathaniel and Mary. 
John and Mary (Bail). 



After this date the records of Lancaster births, in Mid- 
dlesex Registry, abruptly cease. The following have been 
gathered from various sources supposed trustworthy : 



Month. Day. 



A. D. 
686 
687 

688 

688 — — 

688 — — 



March 13 



689 
689 
689 
690 
690 
690 
691 
691 
692 

693 

693 

693 

693 
694 

694 

695 

695 
700 



March 27 
April 18 

Jan. 27 
May 3f 



March 26 

June 20 

March 28 

May 1 1 

June 6 



Name. 

Hezekiah Willard. 
Elizabeth Wilder. 
Abigail Whitcomb. 
Nathaniel Wilder. 
Joseph Willard. 
Thankful White. 
Abigail Houghton. 
Anna Wilder. 
Elizabeth Phelps. 
Samuel Willard. 
Anna Wilder. 
Mary Wilder. 
Mary Goss. 
James Willard. 
Hooker Osgood. 
Amos Sawyer. 
John Goss. 
Josiah Willard. 
Hannah Whitcomb. 
Oliver Wilder. 
Mary Wheelock. 
Jonathan Willard. 
Josiah Wilder. 



Parents. 

Henry and Mary. 
Thomas and Mary. 
Josiah and Rebecca. 
Nathaniel and Mary. 
Henry and Mary. 
Josiah and Mary. 
Robert and Esther. 
Thomas and Mary. 
Edward and Ruth. 
Henry and Dorcas. 
John and Hannah. 
Thomas and Mary. 
Philip and Mary. 
Henry and Dorcas. 
Hooker and Dorothy. 
Nathaniel and Mar)\ 
Philip and Mary. 
Henry and Dorcas. 
Josiah and Mary. 
Nathaniel and Mary. 
Joseph and Elizabeth, 
Henry and Dorcas. 
John and Sarah. 




AXSALS OF LANCASTER. 



MARRIAGES- 



Under d-itf May 36. 1653. the ijQowing (Mrder is ibund 

in Masaachosens Rj^n^rda : 

ta is arddcd dm Mr Jo&n Tlncfccr sIbII 1 s heoby DBpownd to 

marry Geargt Bencen & LidiSa Elbbr i wiu arc pvblisbed 

acconliiiff u Ia.vc. 

Before this authority' was confeireii opon Master Tinker, 
Lancaster coaples wishing to be joined in wedlock were 
compelled lo seek a ma^istraEe elsewhere. In 1660. Major 
Simon WiUard became a permanent resident in Lancaster. 
and by virme ot' his office as Assistant, solemnized mar> 
riages. 



TttooBS Siwnr and Uaty PrescMt. 

Joha Rugs and Martha Prescwtt. 
2 mciatd Smi'ji jod sidow Ji»niia i^uarUs. m Boston 
; Heory Keriey istd ElFoipcth WTiiw. in Sudbury. 
16 i-jha MooiY and Aon Smtih. in Sudbury. 
Jo;«ph RovLmdsoa and Mary White. 
Nathaniel Joslin and Saish King of Mariboroagh. 
Roger Sumner and >larv JosliD. 
Samuel Davis and Mary Waters, 
j Joha Maynard and Maiy Gates, io Sudbury. 
;S Jonas Fairbanke and Udu (Vscott. in Lancaster. 
13 Geor^ Bennett and Lidia Kibby. 
2 Richard Wbeclcc and Sarsh Prescott- 
31 William Kerley Sen. and Bricheit Rowlandsoii. 
4 John Rogg and Hancah Prescott. 
? .Ajrhelatts Courser aod Rachel Roper. [.W in 
LdKiaJter Rairds.'\ 

30 John Rigby and EUuabetb . 

33 John Deuall ^J>iv<M\ and Hannah White. 
r6 William Keriey Sen. and Rebeccah Joslin. widow. 
4 Josiah Whetcombe and Rebeccah Waters. 

30 John Farrar and Mary , 

25 Jonathan Whetcombe and Hannah . 

2; Thomas Wilder and .Maiy Houghton. 
1 1 Jacob Farrab Jr. and Hannah Haymrd. 



1643 




yf^ 




r-SH 


6 


.654 No-. 


erne*. 


1654 N.>v 


embei 


I6i6 




.6i6 




i6i'. 




i6i6 




t6ii .A,pr 


il 


.6i^ 


3 


.6;.* 


4 


1^.5* 


6 


1659 


3 


i«o .May 




i«i 


-* 


n5fc .August 


i^^3 


10 


1664 


3 


i'^^4 


M 


if fa June 




i'/.7 N'.v( 


embei 


\f/A June 




\f/& Nov 


embei 



r7 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 



321 



A. D. Month. 


Day 


1668 November 


II 


1669 May 


19 


1669 June 


22 


1669 September 


14 


1670 6 


3 


1670 8 


II 


1670 II 


13 


1671 I 


16 


1671 9 


16 


1671 II 


22 


1671 II 


22 


1672 I 


21 


1672 5 


17 


1672 9 


14 


1672 9 


21 


1672 9* 


29 


1672 10 


II 


1673 II 


24 


1674 February 




1676/7 2 


18 


1677 November 


20 


1678 February 


4 


1678 




1679 5 


3 


1681 February 


'5 


1681/2 February 


9 


1683 September 


20 


1683 




1684 June 


6 


1688 




1690 March 


29 


1693 October 


31 


1695 




1698 January 


I 


1698 July 


21 


1698 November 


20 


1698 October 


31 


1699 August 


30 


1700 January 


2 


1700 May 


31 


1700 December 


17 



Names. 

John Prescott, Jr., and Sarah . 

Job Whitcombe and Mary . 

Reuben Luxford and Margaret . 

Henry Maze and Ales . 

Jonathan Prescott and Dorothy . 

Thomas Sawyer, Jr., and Sarah . 

Mordecai Mackload and Lidea Lewis. 

John Whitcomb and Mary , 

Benjamin Bosworth and widow Beatrice Joslin. 
Cyprian Steevens and Mary Willard. 
John Houghton, Jr., and Mary Farrar. 
Samuel Waters and Mary Hudson. 

John Wilder and Hannah . 

Jonas Prescott and Mary Loker. 

Thomas Sawyer, Jr , and Hannah . 

Abram Joscelyn and Ann . 



Jeremiah Rogers, Jr., and Dorcas . 

Nathaniel Wilder and Mary Sawyer. 

Daniel Hudson, Jr., and Mary Maynard of Sudbury. 

Henry Kerley and Elizabeth How at Charles town. 

Ephraim Roper and widow Hannah Goble of 
Concord. 

James Sawyer and Mary Marble. 

Joshua Sawyer and Sarah Potter, in Woburn. 

George Hewes and widow Lydia Bennett, at Concord 

Jonas Houghton and Mary Berbeane of Woburn. 

John Hinds and widow Mary Butler. 

John Pope and Beatrix Houghton. 

Nathaniel Wilson and Thankful Beaman. 

James Atherton and Abigail Hudson. 

Jonathan Fairbank and Mary Hayward. 

Philip Goss and Mary Prescott, in Concord. 

Joseph Houghton and Jane Vose of MiJton. 

William Divoll and Ruth Whitcomb. 

John Moore and Hazadiah Fairbank, in Concord. 

Henry Willard and Abigail Temple, in Concord. 

John Houghton, Jr., and widow Mary Goss, in Con- 
cord. 

John Willard and Mary Hayward, in Concord. 

Philip Goss and Judith Hayward, in Concord. 

Henry Houghton and Abigail Barron, in Watertown. 

David Whitcomb and Mary Fairbank. 

George Glazier and Sarah Barrett, in Chelmsford. 



21 






_=■•.:_ T-^ 






>.<* 



:.M \- i' 



\f 



^ 

r 



r 






MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725- 



323 



A. D. 
1665 

1666 



1667 June 

1667 October 

1668 January 

1668 November 
1668 December 



1668 
1669 
1669 
1669 
1670 
1670 
1670 
1670 
1671 
1671 
1671 
1671 
1671 
1672 
1672 
1672 

1673 

1673 
1674 



Mooth. Day. 

9 12 Josiah Whitcomb, son of Josiah and Rebecca, aged 

one day. 
5 17 Deborah Sawyer, daughter of Thomas and Mary, 

an infant. 
8 Nathaniel Joslin, son of Nathaniel and Sarah. 
23 Thomas Wilder, Senior. 

— Stephen Day, a first proprietor, at Cambridge, 
[Inventory y an nary 27.] 

3 John Farrar, son of Jacob, Senior. 
19 Hannah Whetcomb, daughter of Jonathan and 
Hannah. 

— Philip Knight, at Salem. 

3 Lsabell Walker. 

15 Simon Courser, son of Archelaus and Rachel. 

16 John Smith. 
14 William Kerley, Senior. 

17 A child of William and Elizabeth Lincorne. 

— Adam Waters,at Charlestown. {Inventory 23, ^mo.'\ 

4 Mary Atherton, daughter of James and Hannah. 
10 Ann Moore, wife of John. 

2 A child of Jonathan and Dorothy Prescott. 
4 Jonathan Prescott, son of Jonathan and Dorothy. 

17 Frances Whitcomb. widow of John, Senior. 

3 William Lewis. 
2 Sarah Sawyer, wife of Thomas, Junior. 

14 William Bennett, son of George and Lydia. 

26 Benjamin Adams, son of George. 

— John White. \}Vill proveH May 2yi.'\ 
8 2 John Farrar, son of John and Mary. 
— — Dorothy Prescott. wife of Jonathan. 



April 

June 

July 

July 

July 

September 

9 
I 

3 

3 

3 
10 

I 

I 

8 

April 



The Massacre of August 22. 1675. 

George Bennett. 

William Flagg. 

Jacob Farrar, Junior. 

Mordecai MacLoud. 

Lydia MacLoud, wife of Mordecai. 

Hannah MacLoud, aged about three years, daughter of Mordecai. 

An infant child of Mordecai and Hannah MacLoud. 

Joseph Wheeler. 



J 



AXXALS OF LANCASTER. 







r<,- .!.'_-^ 


j^' 




F.rr^.-:> 10. 


1676. 




1 




J.ro. 


Fa:^^aT■ 


<. 














U^V.i. 


^ F^rtu 


-.k. sor. 


J or 


as. 


Jilfd nftrtn >-<ai«. 






r:;>- 


r.; Who 


















E-hr 


■::: Ssw 


iT, Si'«n i" 


T?^ 


■>T1.V 


. «:ss; ;wen:> 


live years. 






Hi-r 


F.i.~ir 


*ono- I 


ift-b 


Sc 












'.■-hi 


iiiii. 


















k::.-^ 


ie:h Ril 


. wire <>i 


oh:i 














A=:r 


ir. cr:" 


-. .M- K.hn 


.inJ 


e:: 


jbe:h Ball. 










E::*-U 


~. .K-«hr. 


n:vo;!. 
















.L-«*:= 


Piv.v;.. . 


i..S«>l' 


«-p:i-< 


• di 


(^i :a «-.';ivi:> 










J.:>*- 


:>iv.-.:: 


*on .^i j. 


Sn. 


n::*^ 


Mies »«rj. 










Hs=r 


;!i Piv 


n. diH^h 


ei 


:.: 


h-.. .i^ea aly 


jt nine 


j-eara. 


died in 



Abrahim Jo*!;a. Jr., agie.'. ;we:i;v-si\ \-ears. 
Ana Jos;n. wlw 01 AVr»!ij:n, klllis: is ci;>:!v!:y. 
B^'atrice. diafjh-.ei 01 .Abraha-.i i::.i Ar.n J.isiin. aged two years, killed 
= cajijivity. 
l>aDieU:aiTt{t. 

Thima,* K>-i»l.i:nis.iTi, ai;ie.? r.;ne:e*s >ears, ne;.'hew ot Reierend Joseph. 
U-<hTx Ke'.',\i. a^oii ,i'.v.:: ih:-;i-w\en. 

t"L-.V:v:;i Kei>%. * fV ,v ,.\i;"..-,rv. rU^.r^. 

Htr.Tv Reiitjv * -""i '" I'.i.':.;:^. !:i::rj. a^c; «i;hteen vMi*. 

\V:'!ia:rT Kciti. »,':i .»i i".i-.-:.;--. Hcr.ii. .i.;;.: sevi-nieen years. 

owp'i Kc::o.. >.>!!.-: ^-.i;-:.!.;; Mi-rv^ i-e.^eieo lears." 

r:isii".i K,-iv;. Hi;;- 01 K;-hT-.ii:v 

:>;s^ "1 K.-;v!. .;.i;:-h:o! 01 i; h-Ml^'. A^e.^ jS-u: :hrte years. 

Sir.ih Ko«i.ir..'.>,--.. .:.v.:c:'.:i-: of Kovtn:v: 1 >-i:-.>h. died of wound. 



.i'.is I ska:: ^ ';;■.:?.. safT.i^iore 01 Nashaway 
v.\ .iti.is or.i'-tie.' I.'ha. Ni'.^r.ei S.ichem a 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



325 



A. D. Month. 

1677 August 

1677 November 
1^8 I 

1678 I 

1678 I 
1678 I 
1678 4 
1678 7 

1678 November 

1679- — 

1679 — 
1679 October 



1679 October lo 



1680 February 

1 68 1 March 



Day. 

14 Jacob Farrar, Senior, at Woburn. 
4 Mary Hudson, wife of Daniel, at Concord. 
6 Abigail Rogers, daughter of Jeremiah, at Dorchester. 
10 Bathsheba Rogers, daughter of Jeremiah, at Dor- 
chester. 
10 Abiah Rogers, widow of Jeremiah, at Dorchester. 
23 Gamaliel Beaman, Senior, at Dorchester. 
20 Samuel Rugg, son of John and Hannah, at Concord. 
Benjamin Allen, at Charlestown. 
Reverend Joseph Rowlandson,at Wethersfield,Conn 
Nathaniel Wilder, child of Nathaniel and Mary, in 

Sudbury. 
Archelaus Courser, in Boston. 
Hannah Houghton, daughter of Ralph, at Charles- 
town, aged twelve years. 
John Houghton, son of Ralph, at Charlestown, 
aged twenty years. 
6 Ann Waters, wife of Lawrence, at Charlestown. 
19 James Butler, at Billerica. 



20 
23 



8 



1 68 1 December 

1682 February 

1683 April 

1684 January 
1684 April 

1687 December 

1688 September 
1688 October 
1691 February 

1 69 1 March 



After Re-settlenunt of Town. 

— John Prescott, \the Fomider of Lancaster y'\ aged 

about seventy-seven years. 

— William Whittborn. {Inventory February 23.] 
7 John Whitcomb, drowned. 

4 William Kerley, Jr., at Marlborough. 

29 John Houghton, Senior. 

9 Lawrence Waters, at Charlestown. 

I John Bush. 

— John Glazier, Senior. {Inventory October 29.] 

— Jonathan Whitcomb. [Inventory February 25.] 

— Samuel Wheeler, a soldier, son of Richard. [In- 

ventory April 7.] 



The Massacre of July 18, 1692. 

Sarah Joslin, wife of Peter. 

Peter Joslin, Jr., aged six years. [Killed in captivity. '\ 

Three children of Peter Joslin. 

Hannah Whitcomb, widow of Jonathan. 



1693 October 



Reverend Samuel Carter, in Groton. [Adminis- 
tration granted October 30.J 



.-I*- J 



LA.\C.\STExR. 



\ 
% 



^ ■ \. L*^ . v'4k ■ I ■ I 

: ^ ■^■■■•. ;i W.ULTtuwii. 

■ ■'. ':\^!. II ;<jxbury, [/«: i ■•..*-''■;• -•/l:;.' -Vj 
■: ".. ■• A ■•l'J'Cf. \:Ilod by ladiazi. 'Jn-.CKtjry 

'■ . -. "i^\t 1. ' 
^; V ..i">, :: J.iinbriiige. 

.. V. •"..: vx. \\\\\ v:iiiliirt:a \yi Revcrcic joha 
V 'v.!!'-^. i:;tu WW} vears, ten monUis. 

■ .* ■•.'. "/t't/ 1 1. 1697. 



'iv'. ::;oi' ')ii!\-^!ieven years. 
..!■«. ■. ::;i-M jt'v years. 



■:;.■.;■". :i;ti: ourtucn years. 



■*». ..' .:. :t :..!•*. 



* .. '»,■■... . I:' ii 

•.'.:. ■.' ,'«■/. .: .^/.:; Jti ] 

•:. • ■• -'i '/ . '■•.••■ 23.] 

V •:.'..• •.;,• ■ \'- S ,-:. .'f r: tit 

■ I 

'^ it,'».« ; I.-; ; . iniiians. 

■ ■ ■ ■■.-■■ -. -.1 N. 

: ".'i ui'i. :^^•■ .••.■^■* .->-\%ears. 

^ '•..: ".s.'t.u-" 11':// 




APPENDIX. 



ACKNOWLEDGMENT. 

To the several members of the Committee of Publication 

— especially to the Reverend George M. Bartol, chairman, 

— and to the Honorable Samuel A. Green, the thanks of 
the editor, due for valuable suggestions and assistance, are 
hereby cordially tendered. Various courtesies received 
from the accomplished custodians of the Massachusetts 
Archives, the Massachusetts State Library, the Boston 
Public Library, and the Libraries of the Boston Athena;um, 
the Massachusetts Historical Society, and the New Eng- 
land Historic Genealogical Society, are gratefully acknowl- 
edged. 

THE FIRST INNKEEPERS OF LANCASTER. 

There is no evidence that any house here, previous to 
the destruction of the town in 1676, was devoted to the 
accommodation of travellers, or the sale of drink. When- 
ever Reverend John Eliot, Genera! Daniel Gookin, and 
other gentlemen of the Bay towns, were called hither by 
official duty or private business, they doubtless found all 
doors hospitably open to them. Humbler travellers were 
but few, and those chiefly visidng friends and relatives. 
The licensed fur traders kept a small variety of goods suit- 
able for bartt;r with the native hunters, including spirituous 
liquors, and at first naturally monopolized all trade in such 
articles. Thus the list of debtors in the inventory of 
Thomas King's estate, besides "the Indyans," includes 



:r=_ S* JE act of itisi. nit 
r ■** ^ >i:" me smaller tpwria^ 
^r « nzr a>iin5 annnaL^ . m 
sivvrc's selectman ic 
roE Middlesex C nir: 



of Mardi irar 
* that NartiaTa*? 
: of y Sdccnwr a: 
gggning Oraxar^ n. 



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¥":iar of V Tomit IC 

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MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725, 329 



Nathaniel Wilder was the first licensed " for Retailing of 
wine, Beere, Ale, Cyder, Rum &c" in Lancaster. His 
home was a garrisoned house on the southeast slope of 
George Hill, in close proximity to the site of the Symonds 
& King trucking house — a fact perhaps suggestive, as 
tending to show that the chief line of travel had not mate- 
rially changed during forty years, and that the centre of 
population in Lancaster was yet west of the rivers. He 
remained the sole innholder until his death in 1704, and 
his widow Mary [Sawyer] , granddaughter of John Pres- 
cott, continued the business. 

July 10 1705 Widow Mary Wilder Admitted to renew her License as 
Inholder for y^ Town of Lancaster here Recognized as y^ Law demands 



Simon Willard of Lancaster Licensed to be an Inholder in sd Town 
having entered into Recognizance persuant to Law. 

[Middlesex Court Records.] 

List of Licensed Innholders and Retailers of Liquors, 1685- 
1730, derived from the Records of the Middlesex Court 
OP Sessions. 

1685 to 1704. Nathaniel Wilder. 

1705. Widow Mary Wilder, Benjamin Bellows and Simon Willard. 

1706-7. Widow Mary Wilder. 

1708. John Houghton, Jr. 

1709-10. John Houghton, Sen. 

1711. John Houghton and Benjamin Bellows. 

1712-13. John Houghton. 

1 7 14. John Houghton, and **John Fay living near Marlborough.' 

1715. John Houghton. 

1716. Hooker Osgood and John Houghton. 

1717. John Houghton, Hooker Osgood, and John White. 
1718-19. Jonathan Houghton, David Whitcomb, and Samuel Willard. 
1720. Samuel Willard and David Whitcomb. 

1 72 1 to '24. Samuel Willard aud Thomas Carter. 

1725. Thomas Carter. 

1726. Samuel Willard, Thomas Carter, and Oliver Wilder. 

1727 to '29. Samuel Willard, Thomas Carter, John Wright, and Oliver 

Wilder. 

1730. Capt. Samuel Willard, Jonathan Houghton, Thomas Car- 

ter, John Wright, and Oliver Wilder. 



L^l»a»A "^ ■ '- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 331 



Hooker Osgood^ a saddler from Andover, bought the 
Rowlandson lands west of the river, Nov. 22, 1710, of 
Philip Goss, and in 17 14 purchased the lot whereon Law- 
rence Waters had his home, now the homestead of S. J. S. 
Vose. 

Captain John White was the noted Indian-fighter, asso- 
ciated with Captain Love well. He lived ypon the east side 
of the neck. 

David WhitcomVs lands were in the southeastern part of 
Bolton. 

Captain Sajnuel Willard in 1627 purchased the lands 
bordering the highway from the Sprague bridge to the 
Penecook wading place, in all seventy-six acres, including 
the Major Simon Willard home lot, the Edward Breck lot, 
and the Night Pasture. The Willard mansion near the 
railroad crossing is supposed to have been built by him. 

Thomas Carter lived upon George Hill, his father, 
Samuel, having in 1688 purchased the Kerley lands, now 
in possession of F. D. Taylor and H. B. Stratton. 

Colonel Oliver Wilder bought of his brother Nathaniel, 
in 1722, the Roper lot, and probably lived near, if not in, 
the present house on the hill just above the George Hill 
school-house. 

The complaint in Justice Houghton's letter of the small 
local demand for strong drink must not be taken as a 
measure of the bibulous propensities of our ancestors. 
The frequent mention of beer and malt vessels in early in- 
ventories, and of orchards in wills, indicate that the home 
manufacture and consumption of fermented beverages was 
considerable. It may be reasonable to conclude from the 
above letter, that in olden time as now, the apple crop 
usually failed in the "odd years." The orchards of Lan- 
caster were very early famous, and cider became a product 
of commercial importance. When in 1734 Captain Jonas 
Houghton, the Lancaster surveyor, was employed by the 
proprietors of Nichewaug to reconstruct the road from 



332 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 

Lancaster along the north side of Wachusett, the contract 
test for acceptance of this highway was that it should be 
"so feasible .... as to carry comfortably, with four oxen, 
four barrels of cider at once." 

In an old memorandum book of Judge Joseph Wilder's 
is "an acompt of Cyder made in the y® 1728," for his 
neighbors : , 

Barrek 

for the Reuerend Mr John Prentice 61 

Capt. Samuel Willard I2>^ 



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Benjamin Wilson 52 

Thomas Wilder 22 >^ 

Jos Wilder 17 

William Divol 5 

John Divol 15 

Jonas Houghton 6 

Jos Wheelock 21 

Joshua Houghton 63 

Ebenz Wilder 47)4 

James Houghton 5 

Chas Sawyer 9)^ 

Richard Wild 9 

Jonathan Houghton 16 

Ebenezer Prescot 31 

Daniel Rugg 2ofh 

James Wilder 39 

William Houghton 113 

William Sawyer 23 

James Butler 17^0 

Wedow Rugg 7>o 

Phillip Larkin 2>^ 

616 



THE REPRESENTATIVES OF LANCASTER. 

Under the colonial charter, towns might legally choose 
a non-resident to serve them as deputy, and Lancaster did 
this in 1671 and 1672, electing Mr. Thomas Brattle, who at 
that date was one of the selectmen of Boston. Towns 
having not more than thirty freemen were privileged to 
be represented in general court or not, as they chose, and 






MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1:^5- : ; 5 



as each was required to pay the charges of its own depu- 
ties, the weaker settlements commonly sent no delegates, 
unless some local exigency made it necessary. In attempt- 
ing to complete an accurate list of representatives* a curi- 
ous difficult}' is verj' early met with. In sixteen years* 
between 1689 and 1725, the name John Houghton .appears 
recorded in the manuscript records of the general court as 
deputy from Lancaster. In two only of these (1721 and 
1724) is a distinguishing title, "Esq.T added. The credit 
of this long service has heretofore been given, without ques- 
tion, solely to Justice Houghton. There are for this period 
the minutes of only two of the tow-n's representative elec- 
tions; those of May, 1718, and May, 1724. These, how- 
ever, are enough to prove that Lieutenant John Houghton 
is entitled to receive some part of the honor attributed to 
his father, Justice John Houghton. The representative 
elected in 17 19 was "John Houghton Jr,** and it might with 
some reason be inferred that the delegate of same name in 
1715, 1716, 1717 and 1719 was the same person, though 
diligent search has not been rewarded with any clue to aid 
decision. Instances of the elected refusing to accept the 
office were not rare during the first half of the eighteentli 
century, and it was quite usual for the town to advance 
twenty pounds to enable their deputy to meet the require- 
ments of his official dignity, until his stipend from the 
Commonwealth should become due. 

The dates given arc those of the election, which was in the month of May until 
1831, since when it has been in November. In the years not given the town wsls not 
represented. 



1690 John Moore, Sen. 

[Febrttary session . ] 
John Houghton. 

\pecember session.^ 



1 67 1 Thomas Brattle, of Boston. 

1672 Thomas Brattle, of Boston. 

1673 Ralph Houghton. 
1689 Ralph Houghton. 

[Courts of May 8 and 22.] \ 1692 John Moore, Sen 
John Moore, Jr. John Houghton. 

[yiote 5 and Noi.1. 5.] ' 1693 John Houghton. 
John Moore, Sen. | 1697 John Houghton. 

[December session,'] i 1705 John Houghton 



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(•/;' ' ';;'^r.'-! .S;ir:tj':; Willard. 

'■/'I J ' 'li'ifi' I Saifi;!':! Willard. 

1/4; ' ;i;,Liiii Kphraim Wilder. 



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— i Jj.;:ii- A>.i \Vh::comb. 

Hr.-ex.ar- Litres. 
r — ? Wi^Lir*. P.:r.>moor. 
i; — \V-*!:i:r. L>ur.>moor. 
r77> \V:*.;:.i::i Dunsmoor. 

Sar.'.uel Thurston. 
^rr9 Joseph Reed, Esquire. 

I'ndcr the present constitution; the 
representation l)eing based upon one hun- 



; 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 



335 



dred and fifty ratable polls, and three hun- 
dred and seventy ratable polls giving a 
town two representatives. 

1780 Captain William Putnam. 

178 1 William Dunsmoor. 

1782 John Sprague. 

1783 John Sprague. 

1784 John Sprague. 

1785 John Sprague. 

1786 Captain Ephraim Carter, Jr. 

1787 Michael Newhall. 

1788 Michael Newhall. 

1789 Michael Newhall. 

1790 Captain Ephraim Carter, Jr. 

1 791 Captain Ephraim Carter, Jr. 

1792 Captain Ephraim Carter, Jr. 
'793 John Whitinjr, Jr., Esquire. 
1794 **Hon. John Sprague, E.sq." 
'795 John Sprague. 

1796 John Sprague. 

1797 John Sprague. 

1798 John Sprague. 
'799 John Sprague. 

1800 Samuel Ward. 

{John Sprague having declined. '\ 

1 80 1 Samuel Ward. 

1802 William Stedman. 

1803 Jonathan Wilder. 

1804 Jonathan Wilder. 

1805 Jonathan Wilder. 

1806 Jonathan Wilder, Esquire. 
Eli Stearns. 

[Elected unanimoMsly.'] 

1807 Eli Stearns. 

1808 Kli Stearns. 

[Elected unanimously .'\ 

Jonas Lane, Esquire. do. 

1809 Eli Stearns. do. 
Jonas Lane, Esquire. do. 

1 8 10 Eli Stearns. 
Colonel Jonas Lane. 

181 1 Colonel Jonas Lane. 
Major Jacob Fisher. 

1812 Colonel Jonas I^ne. 



18 1 2 Major Jacob Fi.sher. 

18 13 Jacob Fisher, Esquire. 
Captain William Cleveland. 

18 1 4 Captain William Cleveland. 
Captain John Thurston. 

[Elected unanimously .'\ 

18 1 5 Captain William Cleveland. 

[Elected unaiiimously .'\ 
Captain John Thurston. 

[EU'-ted unanimously.'] 

18 16 Captain John Thurston. 
Captain Edward Goodwin. 

1817 Captain John Thurston. 
Captain lienjamin Wyman. 

18 18 Captain John ^hurston. 

[Elected and declined,] 

Captain Benjamin Wyman. 
Major Solomon Carter. 

1 8 19 Benjamin Wyman, E.squire. 
1 82 1 Jacob Fisher, Esquire. 
1823 Jacob Fisher, Esquire. 

1826 Captain John Thurston. 

1827 Joseph Willard, Esquire. 
Davis Whitman, Escjuire. 

1828 Joseph Willard, Esquire. 

( Elected unanimously . ) 

1829 Solon Whiting, Esquire. 

1830 Solon Whiting, Esquire. 

Constitutional Amendment X ratified, 
changing l>«ginning of political year from 
last Wednesday in May to first Wednes- 
day of January, and the elections to No- 
vember. 

183 1 Davis Whitman, Esquire. 

1832 John G. Thurston. 

[ Elected unanimously . ] 
Ferdinand Andrews. 

1833 Doctor George Baker. 
Levi Lewis. 

1834 Anthony Lane. 

[Elected and declined.] 
James G. Carter. 
Deacon Joel Wilder. 

1835 James G. Carter. 



336 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



1835 Deacon Joel Wilder. 

1836 James G. Carter, 

\_Elecied unanimously.'] 



dred ratable polls. 

1837 Silas Thurston, Jr. 

18^ Silas Thurston, Jr. 

John G. Thurston. 

1839 Silas Thurston, Jr. 
John Thurston. 

Constilurional Amendment XIII adopt- 
ed. Representation based upon twelve 
hutidred Inhabitants. 

1840 John Thurston. 

1841 Jacob Fisher, Jr. 

1842 John M. Washburn. 

1843 John M. Washburn. 
1A44 Jacob Fisher. 

1845 Joel Wilder, 2d. 

1846 Joel Wilder, 2d. 

1847 Ezra Siiwyer. 

1848 Ezra Sawyer. 

1850 Anthony Lane. 

1851 Anthony Lane. 



1852 John G. Thurston. 

1853 John G. Thurston. 
iSs4 Francis F. Hussey. 
185; John G. Thurston. 
1856 James Childs. 

Const It uliona] Amendment XXI adopt- 
ed, 1857, Lancaster and Clinton forming 
8th Wonxster District. 

1858 John M. Washburn. 
i860 Dr. J. L. S. Thompson. 
1862 Dr. J. L. S. Thompson. 



1 868 Jacob Fisher. . 

1869 George A. Parker. 

1870 Geot^e A. Parker. 

1871 George A. Parker. 

The sth Worcester Di! 



cilli two representatives. 

1878 Samuel R. Damon. 
1882 Henry S. Nourse. 



DELEGATES. 

To the Praviruial Cnngreufs of 1774 and 1775 : — William Dunshoor, 
Asa Whitcomh. 

To the Cottvenlion that formed the State Constitution at Cambridge, 
September, 1779:— William Dunsmoor, Ephraim Wilder, William 
Putnam. 

To- the Convention that ratified the Constitution of the United Slates : — 
John Spbague. 

To the Convention for the Revision of the Stale Constitution in 1820: — 
Davis Whitman, Major Jacob FisiiER. 



SENATORS, 
1786. 



Francis B. Fay, 1868. 



James G. Carter, 1837 to 1839. 
John G. Thurston, 1845. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 33^ 



EXECUTIVE COUNCILLORS. 

Major Simon Willard, Assistant, 1654 to 1676. 

Captain Ephraim Wilder, elected 1735, ^^^ declined. 

Joseph Wilder, 1735 ^o ^75^* 

William Stedman, 1803 and 1807. 

Abijah Willard was appointed Councillor by writ of Mandamus, 

1775- 

REPRESENTATIVES TO CONGRESS. 

William Stedman, 1803 to 18 10. 

General John Whiting, as candidate of the Jeffersonian party, was Stedman's oppo- 
nent. James G. Carter was an unsuccessful candidate in 1847. 

Prentiss Mellen, born in Lancaster, 1764, was U. S. Senator 18 18 
— 1820. 

COUNTY OFFICERS. 

SHERIFFS. 

William Greenleaf, 1778 to 1788. 
John Sprague, 1788 to 1792. 

CLERK OF COUNTY COURTS. 
William Stedman, 18 10 and 181 2 to 181 6. 

COUNTY TREASURER. 
Jonathan Houghton, 1731 to 1733. 

ASSISTANT JUSTICES WORCESTER COURT OF SESSIONS. 

John Whiting, March i, 1808 to April 20, 1809. 
Timothy Whiting, November 14, 1811. 

JUDGE OF PROBATE. 
Joseph Wilder, 1739 ^o 1757. 

JUDGES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS. 

Joseph Wilder, June 30, 1731 to March 29, 1757, Chief Justice. 
Colonel Samuel Willard, January 27, 1743, to November, 1752. 
Joseph Wilder, Jr., January 21, 1762, to 1773. 
John Sprague, 1798 to 1800, Chief Justice. 

22 



338 ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

John Tinker was given special authority to marry. May 26, 1658. 

Major Simon Willard, by virtue of his office as Assistant, per- 
formed the various duties of a Magistrate, 1654- 1676. 

John Houghton, called Justice before 1718, reappointed (?) 1729. 

Joseph Wilder, Senior, 1727 and 1731. 
Benjamin Willard, 1731. Dr. Josiah Wilder, 1788. 

Colonel Samuel Willard, 1732. Dr. Israel Atherton, 1789. 
Colonel James Wilder, 1737. Timothy Whiting, Jr., 1789. 
Samuel Willard, Jr., 1743. William Stedman, 1790. 

Colonel Oliver Wilder, 1744. Samuel Ward, 1799. 
Colonel Joseph Wilder .Jr., 1 747 Josiah Flagg, 1803. 
William Richardson, 1753. Benjamin Wyman, 1803. 

Colonel John Whitcomb, 1754. Joseph Wales, 1806. 
Colonel Joseph Reed, (?) Merrick Rice, 1808. 

David Osgood, 1762. Moses Smith, Jr., 1809. 

Colonel Abijah Willard, 1762. Paul Willard, 181 i. 
Thomas Wilder, 1762. Major Jacob Fisher, 181 2. 

Joshua Willard, 1762. Ebenezer Torrey, 18 14. 

Abel Willard, 1769. Edward Goodwin, 18 16. 

Levi Willard, 1772. John Stuart, 1821. 

Samuel Wilder, 1772. Jonas Lane, 1822. 

Ezra Houghton, 1774. Levi Lewis, 1823. 

Dr. William Dunsmoor. — ? Joseph Willard, 1825. 

John Sprague, 1783. William Willard, 1825. 

Solon Whiting. 



CORONERS. 

Jamks Wilder, 1731. Joseph Wilder, Jr., 1744. 

Oliver Wilder, 1738. David Wilder, 1747. 

William Richardson, 1762. 



THE CLERKS OF LANCASTER. 

The first pages of Lincaster-s oldest records are by the hand of Master 
John Tinker, who as scribe for the first prudential managers, copied some 
earlier records from **the old book"; but by whom that lost volume was 
kept is unknown. 

Ralph Houghton, clerk of the writs 1656 to 1682. 

Cyprian Steevens, clerk of the writs 1682 to i686(?). 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 339 

John Houghton, (son ot first John,) 1686 to 1725, — \o years. 

Jonathan Houghton, 1726 to 1728 and 1730 to 1736. — EHed in 
office, 

Joseph Osgood, 1729. 

Judge Joseph Wilder, Sr., 1737 to 1743. 

Joseph Wilder, Jr., 1744 to 1752. 

Abijah Willard, 1753 and 1754. 

Colonel Samuel Willard, 1755. 

William Richardson, October 8, 1755, **''' room of Samuel Willard 
absent on his majesties serviced 

Levi Willard, 1756 to 1760 and 1761 to 1769. 

Abel Willard. J760, *' in place of Levi Willard going out of town V 

Daniel Robbins, 1770, 1772, 1773, 1775 and 1776. 

Captain Samuel Ward. 1771, 1774 and 1782 to 1787. 

Colonel William Greenleaf, 1777, 1779, 1781. 

Nathaniel Beam an, September, 1777 to May 1778. 

Cyrus Fairbank, May, 1778. 

Dr. JosiAii Leavitt, 1780 to May, 1781. 

Colonel Edmund Heard, 1788 to 1790. 

Joseph Wales, 1791 to 1794. 

William Stedman, 1795 to 1800. 

JosiAH FLAtiG, 1 80 1 to 1835, except 1828, — ^/^ years. 

Major Jacob Fisher, 1828. 

Joseph W. Huntington. 1836 and 1837. 

John G. Thurston, 1838 to 1853. 

Matthew F.Woods, 1853. Died in office. 

Francis Y. Hussey, 1853 to 1855. 

William A. Kilbourn, 1874. 

Dr. J. L. S. Thompson, 1856 to present time, except 1874. 



PROPRIETARY CLERKS. 

Ralph Houghton and John Houghton, probably to 17 16. 

Joseph Wilder, 17 16 to 1757. Died in office. 

Caleb Wilder, 1757 to 1776. Died in office. 

Luke Wilder, 1777 to 1779. Died in office. 

Josiah Wilder, 1780 to 1788. Died in office. 

Deacon Cyrus Fairbank, 1788 to 1800. Died in office. 

Benjamin Wyman, 1801 to 1826. Died in office. 

Major Jacob Fisher, 1832. Died in office. 

Solon Whiting. 



340 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



THE MINISTERS OF LANCASTER. 



FIRST CHURCH. 

Natieaniel NoRcnoss, son of Jeremiah of Watertown ; born in Eng- 
land; gradu.iie of Cainbridge University, 1637 ; chosen minister of the 
Nnshaway Plantation. 1644, but returned to England, 1646. 

Joseph Rowlasdson, son of Thomas of Ipswich; born in England, 
1631 or 1633; graduate of Har\-ard College, 1652; began preaihing in 
Lancaster, 1654; ordained, 1660. April, 1677 he was settled as colleague 
of Reverend Gershom Quikulcy at WethersfieiJ, Ct., and Ihere died, j 
November 24. 167B. 

ed Ihe " 

Samuel Cakteh, eldest son of Reverend Thomas Carter of Wobum; 
born August S, 1640; graduate of Harvard College, 1660'; bought land 
and resided on George Hill. 16SS or earlier, and supplied the Lancaster 
pulpit temporarily between 16S0 and 16S8. He removed to Groton, and ^ 
died there, 1693. 

Edward Oakes, son of Urian, graduate of Harvard College, 1679, 
preached temporarily in Lancaster; afterwards in New London, Ct. 

John Denison, sod of John of Ipswich, graduated at Harvard Cot- , 
lege, 16S4, occupied the Lancaster pulpit for a time. He was settled as 
colleague with Rev. William Hubbard at Ipswich, and died 16S9. 

William WooDROr. a non-conforming clergyman driven from hia 
churcli in England, 1662. preached in Lancaster, and Cotton Mather 
ivcorded him In the Magnalia as minister here. He relumed to En^aod 1 
July 12. 16S7. 

The flisi meciing-liouse was " buincd hy ilie 
umn ID 1676. Tlic scaind wiu tiuitl upon the : 

JOMM Whiting, son of Reverend Samuel of Billerica, bom \(Aw 
graduate nf Har\-ard College, 1635 ; began preaching in Lancaster Febra- J 
ary, t6SS; was ordained December 3, 1690, and slain by Indians. Sep- \ 
lember 11, 1697. 

Mr. Jones was invited to settle in Lancaster, but some obstacle an 
lo prevent ordination. This was probably John, son of William Joi 
of New Ha\-en. born October 4, 1667 ; graduate of Harvard Colt^e, 1690; 
drowned January 28. 1719. In New Haven harbor. 

John Robinson, son of Samuel of Dorchester, graduate of Harranl I 
College, 1695. for a time filled the Lancaster pulpit. He was settled at ^ 
Duxbur>'. 1702. and died. 1745. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 



341 



Samuel Whitman, graduate of Harvard College, 1696, preached here 
a while ; was afterwards teacher and minister at Salem, and died, 1751. 

Andrew Gardner, son of Captain Andrew, born in lirookline, 1674; 
graduate of Harvard College, 1696; began preaching in Lancaster May, 
1701, and was soon to be ordained when accidentally killed by Samuel 
Prescott. October 26, 1704. 

July 31, 1704, the second meeting-house was burned in an assault by the French 
and Indians. The third was built on the Old Common, opposite the burial ground' 
1706. 

John Prentice, son of Thomas, born at Newton, 1682; graduated at 
Harvard College, 1700; began preaching at Lancaster, 1705 ; was ordained 
March 29, 1708, and died January 6, 1748. 

In 1743-3 two meeting-houses were built; that of the first precinct on School- 
house Hill, nearly in front of the residence of Solon Wilder ; that of the second, or 
Woonksechocksett precinct, "near Ridge Hill." 

Cotton Brown, son of Reverend John of Haverhill, graduate of 
Harvard College, 1743, was invited to settle in Lancaster February 28, 
1748, but became pastor of the Brookline church October 6. 1748, and 
died April 13, 175 1. 

Benjamin Stevens, son of Reverend Joseph of Charlestown, born 
1720, graduate of Harvard College, 1740, preached here as a candidate. 
He settled at Kittery; became S. T. D., 1785; died May 18, 1791. 

William Lawrence, graduate of Harvard College, 1743, was also a 
candidate for the Lancaster pulpit. He died, 1780. 

Stephen Frost, graduate of Harvard College, 1739, was master of 

the Lancaster Grammar School, 1740-1744, and preached temporarily, 
but was never ordained ; died, 1749. 

Timothy Harrington, born in Waltham, February 10, 1716; graduate 
of Harvard College, 1737; pastor in Swansey, N. H.; was installed at 
Lancaster November 6, 1748; died December 18, 1795. 

Alden Bradford, born in Duxbury, 1765, graduate of Harvard Col- 
lege, 1786, temporarily supplied the pulpit in 1791 ; settled at Wiscasset, 
Me. LL. D., 1837; S. H. S. ; secretary of state, 1812-1824, etc,; 
died, 1843. 

Thaddeus Mason Harris, son of William, born at Charlestown, July 
7, 1768, resident of Chocksett during the Revolution, graduate of Harvard 
College, 1787, supplied the pulpit for some time, 1791-2. S. T. D., A. 
A. S., etc.; died, 1842. 

Daniel Clark Sanders, graduate of Harvard College, 1788, preached 
as a candidate. S. T. D.. 1809; President of Burlington College; 
died, 1850. 




■*>'rfVAS^l > 



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342 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER, 



JnsEi'ii Davis, son of Simon of Concord; born, 1720; uradunte of 
Harvard College, 1740: pastor in Holden, 1744-1774, preaciic-d tem|>or- 
arily in Lancaster. He died March 4, 1799. 

Nathaniel Thayer, son of Reverend Ebtntzer, born in Hampton, 
N. H., July II, 1769, graduate of Harvard College, 17K9, was ordained 
<»>1league pastor in Lancaster, October 9, 1793; S. T. D., 1817; died 
June 33, 184a. 

ului(IJuly9. tSt'i.amI lln- biiil.linR di-<li- 

Edmund Hamilton Seaks, l>orn in 5;indi.stic1d April 6, iBio. gradu- 
ate of Union College. 1834, of Harvard Divinity School, 1837. [ustor in 
Wayland, 1837-401 was insLilled at Lincaster, Dt.-(-i:mhi:r 23, 1840, and 
resigned Iwcausc of ill health, April, 1847; S. T. D., 1K71, S. M. S.; 
died at Weston, January 16, lS7r). 

George Mukillo ISarthi., born in Frue]Jort, Maini.*. Si'ptembtr 18, 
iSao; graduate of Brown University, [842, and of Harvard Divinity 
School, 1845; was ordained August 4, 1847. 



SECOND PRECINCT CMl'RCH. 

The fitM H-rvicr in Ihc mveliiiK-iiousi- M CIii><-k<"il mis iit-Iil NuvchiIht ad. 1743. 
Therp hud Iwn "ni'JfililiiirliiiiHl iiuftinKs"!>on'r.il yi-jt-. iiu-lirT. R.-vc-ri-nil J"liii I'lrn- 
Ucc reuinis a lKi|iiism lliwri!. i.Uy, I73K. tw Rcvi-n-mi Ji.li »;n-;liiiiM "f SliL^islmry, ii« 
having "di.ini^nl willi Mr, llrnnn." TMs Aiis ]ir<iUiiil_v In-i.ili ISronii, i;r.i<limic i>f 
Harvard Colli^jv, 1736, UMJii-in-liiw of Mr. Pirmiii,- - !i- ..]"m. «,ii Mi. Ciisliint;. 

John Mkllf.n, bom in Hopkinton, Mnrcli 14, 172;, gnuhi.ite of Har- 
vard College, 1741, was pastor fr<mi Di'tcmber ly, 1744, 10 Decemlit-r 14, 
1778. February [i, 17S4, he was inslalk-d at Hanover. Mass., and <licd 
in Reading, July 4. 1807. 

Reuben Hoi.oimbe. gr.iduate of Vale College. [774. was ordained 
June z, 1779. continued p.islor in Sterling until i8[5. and died. iKzri. 



FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHIKCH. 

Or,.--',-'' ■Ifnl 3. ISJS. 

Rl'FiTS S. 1 'Of B. born in Stimghton. A]>ril 2. i.Soij: sludicd Ih.-ology 
with Sjlvanus Cobb. D. D.. iSjj; settled in .Milliml. Slerlini; and Hyan- 
nis, dyinc at the place last named, June 5, iM8.^; preaelii:!.! in L-inca.sicr 
as occasion offered, 1838. 

James S. I'almeh, born in Hro.iklyn. Pennsylvania. January 34. 1815. 
preached six months, beginning May, 1839 ; now of Manstield. Penn, 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 343 



Lucius Robinson Paige, born in Hard wick, March 8, 1802, supplied 
the pulpit during 1840, meetings being held in the Academy and town 
hall. S. T. D., 1861. Author of a Commentary on the New Testa- 
ment, etc., etc. 

John Harriman, preached in Lancaster, 1 841-3. 

Benjamin Whittemore, born in Lancaster, May 3, 1801, son of 
Nathaniel; educated at Lancaster and Lawrence Academies; studied 
theology with Hosea Ballou. He was pastor here, 1843 to 1854; S. T. 
D., 1867; died April 26, 1881, in Boston. 

A meeting-house was built in South Lancaster, and dedicated April 26, 1848. 
Services were discontinued, 1855, and the meeting-house vyas sold to the state for 
the Girls' Industrial School, 1858. 



FIRST EVANGELICAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

This society was organized February 22, 1839, at the house of Reverend Asa Pack- 
ard. The meeting-house was dedicated December i, 1841 ; enlarged, 1868. 

Charles Packard, son of Reverend Hezekiah ; born at Chelmsford, 
April 12, 1801 ; graduated at Bowdoin College, 1817; ordained at Lan- 
caster, January i, 1840; resigned to accept pastorate of Second Congre- 
gational church in Cambridgeport, 1854; died at Biddeford, Maine, 
February 17, 1864. 

Franklin Bradley Doe, born in Highgate, Vermont, December 5, 
1827 ; graduate of Amherst College, 1851, and of the Bangor Theological 
Seminary, 1854; ordained in Lancaster, October 19, 1854; resigned to 
accept pastorate in Appleton, Wisconsin, September 24, 1858. Superin- 
tendent of the American Home Missionary Society for the Southwest. 

John Edwards Todd, graduate of Yale, 1855, was invited to become 
pastor over the church, May 3, 1859, ^"^ declined. Pastor of Church of 
the Redeemer, New Haven, and D. D. 

Sylvanus Cobb Kendall, graduate of Amherst College, 1849, ^^^ 
of Andover Theological Seminary, 1852 ; was invited to settle, December 
13, 1859, ^^^ declined. 

Amos Edward Lawrence, born at Geneseo, N. Y., June 25, 1812; 
graduated at Yale College, 1840, and the New York Union Theological 
Seminary, 1843; installed at Lancaster, October 10, i860; resigned, 
March 6, 1864. 

George Roswell Leavitt, born in Lowell, June 7, 1838; graduated 
at Williams College, i860, and at Andover Theological Seminary, 1863; 
ordained in Lancaster, March 29, 1865 ; resigned in 1870 to accept pastor- 
ate of Stearns Chapel in Cambridgeport. 



L . ^ 



344 



ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 



Abijam Perkjns Marvin, born in Lyme, Ct.. February i. 1813; grad- 
uated at Trinity College m 1S39. and Yale Tiieological Seminary, 1S4Z; 
pastor at Winchendon, 1S44-1S66. In 1S70 began preaching at Lan- 
caster; installed May t, 1872; asked dismission September 12. 1875. 



Henrv Clinton Fav, graduate of Amherst College, 1854, 
rily supulted the pulpit, i$y6. 
Marcus Ames 



lempora- 



cting pastor or 
Wii-LiAM DeLoss Love, Jb. born 
1851; graduated at Hamilton College, 

Seminary, 1878; ordained at Lancaste 

Dakius Augustine Newton, bom October 1, 1855, at Westborough ; 
graduate of Amherst College, 1879, and of Andover Theological Semia- 
ary, 1882; ordained September 21, 1S82. 



year, tteginning April, 1877. 

I New Haven, Cl., November 29. 

873, and at Andover Theological 

September iS, 1878; asked dis- 



SECOND EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 



Joseph Myros Rensselaer Eaton, born October 14, 1814. in Fitch- 
burg; graduated at Amherst College, 1841, and at Andover Theological 
Seminary. 1844; ordained January 9, 1845; dismissed April 11. 1847. 

W. H. Corning, ordained December 8, 1847; dismissed October 



. FIRST BAPTIST SOCIETY. 

This church »a^ orgBniicd in 1S47. la thai pan Of Lancaster which beciine Clin- 
lon. A. D. 1850. 

Charles Manning Bowers, born in Boston, January 10. 1814; 
graduated at Brown University. 1838, and Newton Theological School, 
1840. D. D., 1871. Pastor of church from its organization. 



ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The Chapel was consecialed July 13, 1873. 

Father Richard J. Patterson, born in Ireland. 1836 graduated at 
the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, 1863, and Grand Seminary, 
Uoatreal; ordained priest December 23. 1866. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 345 

- * ■ _ _ ■ — . 

NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH. 

This Society was formally organized January 29, 1876. Neighborhood meetings 
were held, however, as early as 1830, and, with several mtervals of discontinuance, 
until the organization. From 1865 the Sunday meetings were in an ante-room of the 
town hall, and at certain seasons the pulpit was supplied by one of the three following 
clergymen : 

James Reed, pastor of the Boston Society ; born in Boston, June 8, 
1834; graduate of Harvard College, 1855. 

Abiel Silver, pastor of Boston Highlands society; born in Hopkin- 
ton, New Hampshire, April 3, 1795; accidentally drowned in Boston, 
March 27, 1881. 

Joseph Pettee, presiding minister of the Massachusetts Association ; 
born in Salisbury, Connecticut, March 14, 1809; graduate of Yale Col- 
lege. 1833. 

Richard Ward was called as pastor in April, 1880, and installed 
December i, 1881 ; born in Sanbornton, — now Franklin, — New Hamp- 
shire, May 8, 1819. 

The chapel was built in z88i, and dedicated December i of that year. 
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH. 

Organized 1864. 

Stephen Nelson Haskell, born in Oakham, Mass., April 22, 1834; 
ordained Elder, August 1870. 

DoREs Alonzo Robinson, born in Brighton, New Brunswick, Janu- 
ary 5, 1848; ordained Elder, August 28, 1876. 

The meeting-house was dedicated May 5, 1878. 

POSTMASTERS. 

The establishment of the first post-office in Lancaster dates from A pril 
I, 1795. The second was granted March 3, 1853, and called South Lan- 
caster, the post-office department objecting to New Boston, the old name 
of the village. The following is an official list of the postmasters, with 
their dates of appointment : — 

Joseph Wales, April i, 1795. 
Timothy Whiting, July 25, 1803. 
Nathaniel Rand, March 14, 1825. 
Joseph W. Huntington, December 19, 1832. 
Nathaniel Rand, December 27, 1844. 
Humphrey Barrett, September 5, 1849. 
Nathaniel Rand, September 6, 1853. 



aSt^^JAJ^^^^'^'A^- -■ ^- '- - ■ ^^-.t- ■ - ■ ■ \ ■■■^,. . ^.j:- -. 



^ 



346 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 

S Christopher A. Rasd, August 3r, 1854. 
Christoi-iier a. PoiXARi), Juljij, 1855. 
Dakfortr L.\wrexce, December 24, ifi56. 
HuMPHREV IJakrett, August 1. 1S61. 
Solon Wilder, March 6, iiJ84. 

SOUTH LANCASTER. 
Wilder S. Thi'rsto.v, March 3, 1853. 
Edward J. Grossman, September 19, 1853. 
Stevens H. Turner, November 28, 1853. 
Andrew J, Hancroft, Febniary?, 1857. 
Carter Wiluer, December 31, 1861. 
Aaron Wilder, September zz, 1863. 
Daniel M. Howard. February 9. 1866. 
Thomas E. Bi;rdett, April 14, 1873. 
Louts J. HiTRDETT, January 18, 1875. 
William G. Wilder, Decembers, 1875. 
Henry F, Hosmer, March 7, 1881. 



GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION OF LANCASTER. 

The United States Coast and Geodetic Sur\'cy station nearest to 
Lancaster is that upon Wachasell MnunLiin. ISy the Massachusetts 
Trigonometrical Survey, the s|>irc of the llrick Church in Lancaster was 
determined to be eleven and sixteen hundredths miles distant from that 
station, and 2'..oo,gi" south, and 12'. .49,71" ea-st of it. From these 
data the United States Co.ist Survey locates "Lancaster Church" in 
42"., 27'. .19,98" north latitude, and 71".. 40'. .24,27" longitude west of 
Greenwich. 

The elevation above the sea level of the floor of the porch to the Brick 
Church is three hundred and eight and one-lialf feci, as obtained by 
extension of the levels of the Worcester and Nashua Railroad. 




INDEX. 



Accor 



nodalions lo enco 



- .'»7- 
Act of IncorporaKon. 35. 
Adagunnpeke, 375. 
Adums. Francia. 186. 

George, 83. laa, 177, 1B6. 375. ags, 

lohn.'iTs, 94. 177, 178, 185. 
Jonalhan, 140. 
Addilional Grani, 8, 138, 174, 177, 179, 

Admission of inhabilanls restiictud, 33, 

38,41,53.60. 
Allien, Daniel. 043. 
Allen, Benjamin. 133, 398, 317, 335. 
Danipl, 76. 398, 315, 316, 326. 
Eliencmr, 398, 334. 
Allotmenti of land. 33, 39, 33. 345. 
Alluwanua in land, 44, 83. 17S, 179. 19a, 

aos. aoft, itjS. 
Allowance, Surrtyors'. 66, 193. 347. 
Almanac, firsi American, 308. 
Ames, JiMxit., 331, 339. 
letliro, aag. 
Reveti-nd Mareufi. 344. 
Amniunllion, town's (iiliplv, 79. 
AmoskcTg. .iMiaaiireg, Aamaiif, [i/an- 

ch«M. N. //.] 16. 331, 339. 
Andovpr. .iKiver, jittdai-or, 333. S43. 359, 

300. 33"- 
Andrews, Ferdinand, 335. 
Androscog|:{in river, Amrr.vngx'iii, 336. 
ApjKndii. 337. 

Appk orchards. 55. 85. 360, 305, 331. 
Aquilicus, [ohn, 139. 
ArUtration. 38. 
Arbitrators' awards, 43. 
Area of original township, 66, see map, 8. 
Armor, 384. 

Aaialiuk hill, Asioalilici, ai8. 
Assessments, manner of. 51. 
Alhcnivum. Boston, 337. 
Alherton. Adirtan. Ittnjaniin, 301,307,336. 
339.3.'- 



il Humphrey. 38. 353. 

L.ocuir Isratl. iSa. 33B. 

James. 30, 32. 39, 40, 41, 44, 46, 
48. 61, 71, 143, 348. 150. 35J, 
333, 353. 373. »74. 314. 3»5. 
316. 317, 333, 333, 336. 



Athcrlon, James. Jr., 143. i8a, 184,303, 307, 
'53- 3M. 3>8. 331. 
Joseph, i>7, 196, 197, 300, 303, 

309. 

Joshua. 143, >90, 353, 306. 314. 
Simon, 140, 143. 
Attack upon Ijancasier, 1675, 98. 
1(176. 100. 
1693, 130. 

1704. 14ft. 
Autographs of eariy smtltrs, fai.-similc, 34. 
Aunsocitinug, Mary, 139. 
Ayer, 371 

TJ AK:r;R, Doctor Gcnrec 335- 

^ IJ.1II, loJin. 10.;. 3Ba, 3i,. 

toliou, Hosca. 343. 

Uancroft. Andr.^w J., 346. 

E)aplist church. 344. 

Barbadoi^s, 378. 379. 

tare hill, 71, 76, 14> i77. '8°. '82, 191. 

195, 301, 203, 211, 353, 271. 3HB. 301.303, 

306- 
Ramus. John, 177. 

Malihew. .5. 
U.irrett, linsign Humphrey. tsB. 
Humphrey. 345, 346, 

Barron, llantri, Aliig.-ul, 331, 

Timolhv, 344. 
Bartholonii.-w, Henry. 31a 
R-irtol, Ren-ri'nd (ieo^ie Mutillo, 4. 337, 

liay Path or Road, 46, 71, 188, 301, 205, 

Boyley, Failry. lliiily. Benjiimin, 177. 207, 

Bear, 333, 1.1. 

Ueasts, Wilrl. 31, 114. 233, 263. 
^■". 153. 3^J- 33'- 
Belcher, J.T.-mnd,. 237. 243. 
JeriMnudi U., 243. 
Bellows. li:niamin. m, 143, I.:;6. 184. Iflg, 

210. 211, 2i«. 303, 3*j, 330, 
D<:llo>ss K.illA. 232. 
Heilo»^ Hull or Hole, 330. 
Beman. Jlramau. llemaHd. F.lienuier, 178. 
Cani.ilicl. 31, 71, 84. 90. 348, 357. 
as8. 259. 304. 314. 3-'5- 



-..">-■.;;.:.: =.- K. .1:1.53. 



INDEX. 



349 



Burying Ground, Old Common, 164, 305, 

341. 
the old, 55. 183, 204. 273, 

278, 279. 299, 300. 

Bush, John, 248, 271, 303, 325. 

Buss, John, 288, 289. 

Butler, James, 72, 77, 79, 144, 182, 204, 248^ 

293, 301. 304, 325, 332. 

Butterheld, Jonathan, 221. 

By-Laws of Lancaster, 171. 

/^ALEF, Robert, quoted, 307. 
^^ Calicott, Richard, 117. 
Cambridge, 12, 17, 18, 19,73, ^o^. i^Oi ^^i. 
126,267, 268, 280, 281, 308, 310, 311,322, 

323, 326, 340. 

Canada expedition of Sir Wm. Phips, 127, 

393- 
Canoe, Cannoo, Brook, 184. 

Cape Porpus, 242. 

Captives, Lists of, 105, 131, 133, 136. 

Ransom of, 109, 131, 136. 
Captivity, Mrs. Rowlandson's Narrative 

of, 98, 102. 
Carts and cartways, 22, 59, 107, 108, 204, 

261, 305. 
Carter, Ephraim, 196. 

Captain Ephraim, Jr., 335. 
James Gordon, 335, 336, 337. 
John, 144, 152, 154, 285, 286. 
Reverend Samuel, 24, 123, 196, 285, 

286, 325, 340. 
Samuel, Jr., 141, 144, 152, 182, 183, 
195. 19^. 202, 203, 204, 208, 285, 
286. 
Major Solomon, 335. 
Thomas, 187, 188, 207, 285, 329, 

Carter's Mills, 67. 

Case, Mrs. Sally {Sawyer), 145, 290. 
Casting lots, 42, 71, 186. 246. 
Catechism, Slighting the, 129, 303. 
Cateconimoug Pond, 219. 
Cattle running at large, 21, 171. 
Centre of the town, 6rj, 273. 
Cellars, ancient, 291, 296. 
Chamberlain, Benjamin, 222. 

Joseph, 221. 

Thomas. 216, 221. 
Charably River, 155. 
Champncy, Chamne, Daniel, 113. 
Chandler, Ephraim, 216, 222. 

George Frederick, 278. 

iohn, 15, 16. 
loses. 209, 229, 243. 
Chapin, Abiel, 236, 239. 
Charlestown, 32, 109, 251, 256, 261, 272, 
280, 294, 298, 300, 305, 306, 311, 321, 323, 

324. 325. 341. 

Oielmsford, 48, 98, 109, 130, 221, 222, 321, 

343. 
Chestnut Hill, 220. 
Chesquonopog Pond, 70. 
Child, Doctor Robert, 11, 14, 23. 
Chi Ids, James, 336. 
Chimneys, ancient, 57, 290. 
Chocksett, Choxet^ see Woonksechocksett, \ 



Christian, a Mohawk, 225, 233. 
Church, David, 177. 
Church, Covenant of, 169. 

Lands of, 27, 29, 45, 156, 182, 283, 

296. 
Members of in 1708, 17a 
Records of, 6, 169. 
Churches of Lancaster, list of, 340, et seg. 
Cider, 153, 154, 329, 331, 332. 
Cilley, L. G., 291. 
Clamshell Pond, 298. 
Clap, Roger, 73. 
Clapboards, 57. 
Clarke, Hugh, information of, 107. 

Thomas, 38. 
Clergymen of Lancaster, list of, 340, ei seg. 
Clerks of the writs, 48, 53, 77, 84,212, 251, 
312. 
proprietors', list of, 339. 
town, list of, 3^8. 
Cleveland, Captain William, 335. 
Clinton, 82, 145, 180, 245,276,277,293,298, 

336. 
Clothes, iron, 284. 
Cobb, Sylvanus, D. D., 342. 
Cobbitt, Reverend Thomas, quoted, 114, 

116. 
Cocheco, [Dover, N, //.,] 116, 226, 230, 

233- 
Cotlin, Coffyn, Lieutenant Peter, 115. 

Cohassctt Falls, \Goff's Falls, N,H^ 239. 

Cold Spring, 145, 301, 304. 

Collins, Daniel, 244. 
Edward, 310. 

Combs, Comes, Jonathan, 216, 236, 239. 

Committee to order town aflfairs, appoint- 
ed, 50. 

Committee, the, withdraw, 78. 

of Publication, 3, 4, 327. 

Commons, 6, 20, 41, 53, 82, 83, 171, 178, 
180. 181. 

Concord highway, 45, 128, 249. 

Concord, 21, 48, 49, 101, 107, 109, no, 114, 
119, 127, 154, 272, 278, 279, 288,304,321, 

325. 342. 
Connecticut, new way to, 16, 73, 91. 
Connecticut River, 227, 232, 236. 
Constables, 22, 24, 26, 48, 84, 124, 128, 181, 

187, 202, 207. 
Contocook, Contockock, River, 231, 235, 

238. 239. • 
Contract, Prescolt's corn-mill, 32. 
Prescott's saw-mill, 72. 
Controversies, settled by arbitration, 28. 
Conway, alias Peter Tatatiquinea, in. 
Converse, Captain James, 156, 162. 

Josiah, 165. 
Cook, Alice, 126. 
Coos, Cohosse, 224, 227. 
Corey, Benjamin, 243. 
Jacob, 229. 
Josiah, 244. 
Coming, Reverend William H., 344. 
Coroners, list of, 338. 
Coroner's inquest, 121, 150. 
Corwin, George, 91. 
Coulter, William J., 2. 



«to 



INDEX. 



3SI 



Education, 95, 172, 175. 
Elevation of Lancaster aljovc the sea, 346. 
Eliot, Reverend John, 16, 17, 38, 327. 
Emerson's l^nk, e8o. 293. 
Equality in first devision of land, 29. 
Elstabrooks. Reverend Joseph, 126. 
Estates. of ^rst settlers,' 39, 52, 248. 
Excommunicants refused as inhabitants, 

28. 
Elxeter, 233. 

Expedition to Canada, 1690, 127, 293. 
against I^isburg, 1745, 236. 

pACSIMILE signatures of early set- 

■'• tiers, 24. 

Fairbank, Fairbanks, Cyrus, 339. 

Lieutenant Jabez, 144, 145, 152, 

168, 173, 176, 179. 182, 183. 

184, 190, 195, 196, 197, 198, 

199. 200. 202, 203, 204, 267, 

211. 215. 216, 217, 218, 219, 

220. 221, 222, 244, 295, 296, 
316, 334. 

Jonas, 24, 31, 39, 40. 71, 82, 83, 

106, 122, 135, 157, 218, 248, 

277, 279, 283, 294, 314, 315, 
316, 320, 324. 

Jonas, Jr., 243* 295. 317. 

Jonathan, 127, 133, 135, 218, 

295. 315. 321. 326. 

{oseph, 211. 
oshua. 106, 157, 218, 295, 314, 

324- 
Mary, 133, 136. 
Tliomas, 244. 
Farm for country's use, 65. 
Farmer, 'Hiomas, 229. 
Farnsworlh, Ephraim, 229. 

Isiuic, 220. 221, 243. 
John, 174, 192, 193. 
Keul>en, 229. 
Samuel, 243. 
Farrar, Fafrr,Fa>mh, Henry, 106, 292, 324. 
Jacob, 24, 31, 32. 39. 40, 41. 54. 61, 
64, 71. 108, 212, 248, 256, 258, 
283, 289, 290, 291, 292, 294, 295, 
297, 299 325. 
Jacob, Jr., 64, 99, 166, 292, 316, 317, 

320, 323. 
John, 31, 39, 40, 41.43,71,248,256, 

257, 292, 294. 
John, Jr., 292. 316, 320, 323. 
Ensign John, 166. 
Farwell, Isaac, 216. 
Fay, Colonel Francis B., 145, 336. 
Reverend Henry C, 344. 
John, 329. 
Fence, the night pasture, 20, 299. 
Fencing allotments, 29. 
Ferren, Jonathan, 229. 
Fever and ague, 240. 
Fines and forfeiturrs, 28, 50, 51, 52, 60, 68, 

70,74,81,89. 118. 
First allotments ot land, 29, 33, maps, 244. 
Fish-weir, wdffv, wgar, 60, 258. 
Fisher, Major Jacob, 335, 336, 338, 339. 
Jacob, Jr.. 336. 



Fisher, John, 1 1. 
Fisk. Jonathan, 244. 
F'lagg. Josiah, 211, 312, 338, 339. 
Sally, 292. 
William, 99. 323. 
Flag of truce, no. 
Flankers, 58, 148, 149. 
Flax, 265. 

Fletcher, Charles T., 4. 
Hczekiah, 243. 
Samuel, 229. 
Fort, Dummer, 227, 232. 
George, 226. 
larish, 2^1. 
I'enecook, 2^ 
Washacum, 276. 
Fortifications, 102, 149. 
Ford, Robert, 229. 
Foster, Captain Hopestill, 87. 

Phmeas, 229. 
Founell, John, 32. 
Framingham, 215. 
Freeman's oath, the, 308. 
Freemen, 25. 38, 48, 249. 251, 254, 257, 261, 

263, 267, 269, 284. 287, 298. 
French and Indian war, 140, e/ seg. 
Frog-holes, 82, 291. 
Frost, James, 248, 303, 304. 
Nicholas. 84. 
Stephen, 341. 
Fry vi lie, 145. 

Fullam, Francis, 177, 179, 185. 
Funeral charges, 154. 
Fur traders, 9, 263, 327. 

/^AINES, Gains, Gjv^r^i, Daniel, 24. 31, 
^^ 72, 104, 122, 176, 177, 199, 203, 247, 

248, 277, 283, 294, 324. 
(kiines, Samuel. 284. 

Gardner, Reverend Andrew, 137, 144, 145, 
148, 150, 182, 214, 341. 

Mary, 24. 153, 165. 

Peter, 113. 
Garrett, Harmon, 12, 13, 20, 23, 26. 
Garrison, Fairbank's, 218. 

Gardner's, 58, 145, 148. 

ioslin's, 145. 
loore's. 145. 
Frescott's, 145, 277. 
Priest's, 145, 302. 
Roper's. 135. 
Rowlandson's, 86. loi, 102, 104, 

134, 152, 270. 283. 284. 
Sawyer's. 58. 108. 
Steevens', loi. 108. 
Whitcomb's, 145. 
Nathaniel VVilder's, 146. 
Thomas Wilder's. 145. 
Major Wi I lard's, 108. 
Garrisons, building, etc., 131. 

lists of. 143. 173. 
Gates in highways, 53, 176, 177, 270, 297. 
Gates tavern, the, 58. 
Gates, Hezekiah, 312, 334, 

iacob, 229. 
lary, 46, 267, 268, 320. 
Simon, 122, 177, 184, 267. 






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■- -V "K .-.n.l nbiinuining. 63. 


7,'.:V'"f !•"'' "^■""""B- 53- i*- 


• . . >.. 1" lft.l.lS3. 191. ,ps, 


:,., '■ ■"■ "'. ^38. 301.303. 



'..3°°-. 



I. »34. =74. - 



HimlebprTy, n?. 

IjjnR. 71. B3. 

M ;ilLiniiu.-hi-k.im iiclci. .l/.i^jwitii 

</7. B71. 303. 
M.issapiiiii:. UjiA.i/'.'H^f, 3t'i. 
Mi>.inkdu.-.ik<\ 270. 
Miin,idnai-li. .\ftm; unci. .WrijJai. 

Menjjrii, i. li.w.iJii.'.i. IIjuv,. 

»«.-*, Ii;'».:d'w«.*, ji.). J34. J, 



Pj(|u ni'ki-l. £|l. 
I*ini-. iSo, i.^, ao.i. »v,. «3. 
I'onikin, [ Cfliii./iiw.f,-, ■■.■.('( 

yiiii«.p..iiikiii. { j.v..»j-i-. !>.-..: 



3^8. asg. , 
Quincus. (5»i/<.-« 
Rattlesnake joi. 
RetUlonc, 311^ 



I loini- liMs of |ikinli.'n, a8. 33, Vs. tilij 

lltoinit. lliiirv K.3J'i. 

IloiiKliiun. //j«v-*/-«. y/..Hi/.i*, H.ii]aiii 

lli'ni.iiiiin, jr., ai6. lit. 



ll.-nr.v, ijj. 173. aoi, 307, aij, 

■4J. 3'1- 
|.ii'..l^ Hi. 171. 171, iBo. 187, 

LW, I'll. JUI, 3U3, J07, Miy, 

l.iiiHS, lii, 143. aai^ 33i 
l.'liH. 30, 71, 71), So, Bj, inB, 
iiri, 177, i(S, »j3, 315.310, 

Jk^iii. |r.. K-ii|iiiri-. 34, loB, 1-ja. 



l'\l. "H- '."■>■ 'y* '7.'i. '7". 
i;<l. irifc iSo, 1H3, 184, 1B5, 
iMi. 1117. Iii8. aua, jirg. ai/j, 
A-i. an, Jia, 333, 357. m/a. 
-■"1. .*■>?■ .*7. -I'J. .1": 
.(A JJ-., .<.!", 3JI.3JJ. 334. 



131^ 317, jKi. JJl^ J3I- 

\V.ltliaciiTii, I(*lJ*.r..-«. II,.-'.-. 

f.>mt. IW^ 3»tl. 
\V.il.i(|U.i<liH-k. llilj^ajJ-t^, 11." 

A..*, llcl./rfl'H.'./''. «. IliiAV'-' 

H'on-vi-M'': 4-i. 4^ '■^ .'■ '. 

141, 145, IS8, 1.15. J,-.l, .-J!.!, .-. 
301,3^4- 

\Viil,ilK:k. -Jt'l. 

Wkli.l|"'lti'l. lt"d*J,M*v/, llj.,!.-.!. 
llV.^/.n'-'. ir.i.JAi..-)'. 11/.. 
/i,N*r/, II l-.u/i. -■'/, ^S.^ i.i.', 1. 



IliDL-hiUII, Jj?. 'JOB. •■">• ^^\- 
Hinckley, 'niom.is. hihr ..I, i...(. 
Hlml*. r-lin. 14.1. 'iW. -tl". .!■"■ ." 
Hoar. rMiiii-l, 117. 

jolin, iii.MJ, .14- 
n.«S»:.n.l., I.y.,l.^,;-'l. -■■«.. .!■ 
HohximlK'. R.-vvtr-inl k.-iil-'ii, ,u 
HoUWn. Jolin. ii.i. 
Hon. 'Ji'3- 

Holnkin. [.Ti'mMli, ii/7,J"l- 
HoH. Lriuh. 343. 

23 



■ 7". ih7. ")S, 1 
i*. .i'^i. Si'i. 3J-t. 337, 
H. -it. 3M. 3»>- 



|J'^ its. -N7. itlB, J4„, aw, 
-■SI. 'SJ, a^i. ay.. 3>.s. !!7o, 
-v. '-'(. J7S. J*(, a'i7.*W, 



quoted. 5E, I 



3.340- 



Hudun. S, 145. 

Hudw)!), HutioH, Daniel, 57, 7B, 12a, 1, 
134, 189,311,^1.333, 388, J 
3H.3«6. 
D»ni«l, Jr.. 3H. 331, 315. 
Elliabctli, 133, 13s, 314, 336. 
Mnntt, 133, 13s. 314. 3»*^ 
Nathaniel. 133, 141.388,303,3 

WiJIiain, laX, 349, 30a, 314. 
Humphrey, Oeacon ChBtJis, 183. 
Hum, Iwac, 177.307. 
Jeremiah, 939. 
llunlinglon. loseph W., 339, 343. 
HioHV, I'mricU F„ 336. 339. 
IlulcluiHon papers, quolvd, iii. 
Ilulcliins, Benjamin, 146. 

Joiuph. 143, 168. i3o, igo, 30 



I NCOKPORATION, Ad of. 25. 

^ Indiiin b'iglil. itic. 165. 

Indlun iiuid pun:luised, 9, 31, 3b, 13S, 173. 

Irsidcn, 9. 263. 

sagamonH. 16, 38, 91. 



Moliuwk, Moifgt. 100, 395, u 

xrj. 035, 240, 346. 
Narraganiel, 103. 
NflshaWHy, 16, 17, 38, 91, 97. 11 

NaS.Bs.I0O.103. 
Nipnci or Nipmuck, 98. 101. 
QualHUg, 103. 
Senei^a. 13a 
lankeepefs, early, 337. il uq. 

Inierviiha. 39, 345. 346. 
Inliuilns lined, 53. 89. 
Inviiallon to Master Rowkndson, 55, 

Major Willaid, 64. 
Ipiwich, 300, 34a 
Iron-sione ledge, 73. 374. 
Iran works, 48. 49. 

JAMES. Daniel, 94. 
Thomas, 30. 33, 36, 39, 40, . 
7'.»5S.^5^^74.3^a■ 
>mts Primer, 111, iia. 



'39. »7S. 
efts, y^fii, Ebeoewr, 144. 
enkes,loseph, .2. 13, 






>, 98, loo, 

107.113,117. 

John's Jump, Bo, 121, 278, 290, •gi. 
Johnson, Captain Ed»-ard, 33. 4S. S^. S«. 
60,78,90. 
John, 30, 34, 39, 4°. 4». 44. 60. 

71. 77, 348, 373. 380, 381. 
John, 3d. 141. 144, 156, ao3L 

NOOll, 331. 

Samuel, 3^. 

Solomon, 281, 282, 309, 310, 311. 
Jones, Reverend John. 137. 340, 
Samuel. 174,193.193. 

Jordan, Caplain, 136, 341. 
oihn. yosfya. yeiUiH.Jeictfyit, A 

83. 86. 369, 313, 3.6, 
Abraham, Jr.. 104, 387. 9 

331. 3^ 
Nailuniel. 31, 39. 44, 71. »47. *48. 

357. 359. 367, 36a, 369, 370. 3r - 

314.315.317.3™. J=.3=" " 
Peler, 130, 141, 144. 145,1! 

173. 175. 17S. '9a. "4. ri_, . . 

187. 196, 197, 199, no. na, aS^ 

368, 369, 315. 319. 315. J«8- 
Thomas, 31, 39, 61, 71. 1147. aA . 

357, 363, a6S, 369, 284, j^ 
Journal. Bradstreel'a, ■" ■" 



;:S; 



Revei 



i John 



Pike's, 



Journals, military, of LieutcDMit Jabec 
Fairbank, 316-ait. ' 

of Captain John White, 330-333. 
of Captain Samuel WOlai^ 334- 

Judgcs, C. C. P., Lancastirr. 113. 313. 194, 

337. 
lurun, 68, 187, aoa. 
Juslicvi of the Peace, list of, 33S. 

L-ATIENANIT. Job. 100. 101. 
*" Kc!«raage, Ciuagif. Mounlain, ^8. 
Kolsey, Daniel, 244. 
Kendall, Kindal, John. 304. 386. 
Slmuel, 186. 

Reverend Sylvanus C, 343. 
Krniit!<i4M;k River. 226. 
Kennnssi^BiUil, 164, 367. 
Kerley, herff. CaH^. Eliiabetb. 104, I05, 

„3^ 

Henry, 34, 30. 34, 37. 39, 40, 41. 45, 



47. 55- 73. 76. 77. 8s. 87.94. M 

... ... -56,303.448,33 

, . . 87,314,31 
3'7' 3*0.3". 3*4.3*. 



3B3, 384. aSj, 1B7, 314, 315. J 



35. 37. 39. 4ft 41 



SO. 55. 64. 71. '95. 303. "47. "A J 

369, 373, 383, 384. 285, 386, atgr, ^ 



300, 3»), 313. 333, 331. 





fclT" ~ ' 


^^^^B 


^B 355 1 


Kcrley. William, Jr.. 14, 30. 3:^ 3,. 35. 37. 




39, 40. 41, 4a. 47. 7a. 88, 148. 374. 


regarding wild beasts, 134. 


aa4.«a5.'S6.»a7,a88,3S5. 


respcciing trainings, 56. 


Kcllle, Ait/t/. Kttli. John, 105, 107. iii. 


about selling strong drink to Inili- 


Mra. EnSbMh, los, iii.ii4.3'6. 


.S,S^„.3*. 


KB)r«, James, 143, 177, 197. 198, 205, 106, 


about education, 176. 


211,382,334, 


Learned, Samuel. 239. 


John. :44. 156, 1B7. 


Leaviit, Reverend Guorgc R.. 113. 


- YSHMJC^C^U. Edward, 30, 38. 


Doctor Josiah, 339. 


LcctimwUy, 74. 


, LydB, 30. 47, 48, 314, 32a 


Leominster. 386. 


Kilboum. William A., 339. 

Killed by IndbuiLlUlOipcraons, 99, 104, 


Lewis, Lewti. Leanis, Chrisioplior, laa. 


254,356. 


130. 133. 146. 323. 324. 3=5. 3»6- 


John. 34. 30. 32, 3fy. 37. 39, 40. 41. 


Kimball. Henry, go. 13a. 059. 


7r. 83. 133, 248, 254. «SS. 333- 


King, Thomas, 10. 34. 3^2,337. 


Levi. 335, 338. 


William. 30, 36, 37. 39. 40. 4<. 48, 


a87. 


61, 7r, 74, 123, igo, 24B, 354, 355. 


King Phitip'a War. 98. 


Levered. Siv'eni^'r^'^n. letters of, 98. i io. 


King William's War, 125. 


Kingslown. 233, 242, 


levies and rales assessed, aE, 45, 51, 64, 
79. Bi, 122, ia8. 140, 151, 162, iBj, 207. 


Kiliery, 242,341. 


Knight, Philip, ao, 39, 5a. 71. 1(6, 248, 264. 


Lcvlngslon. lDhn,339. 


273. 379, 280. 281, xp. 309, 3=3. 


Lexington Alann, a58. 


Knop. James. 97. 


Librarv Committee. 3, 4. 


Kulijuen, in. 


Ucensed traders. 263, 327. 






T ACEY, Lawrtnce. 244. 

L Lakin. Lacam. L^m. Isaae. 220. 


Lilley, Jonathan, 0,3. 


Lime and Llmeston?. 57. 

UtKoln, U«comc. Wdiiam. 89, 316. 317. 




John, 243. 


323. 


loscpli, 143. 


Linton, Liat/m, Richard. 30, 30. 33, 33, 37. 


I'hilip. 33a. 


40, 4". 70. a48. 249, 350. 351. 252, aoi. 


^^^^B^ geograpliicai position ol, 34i& 


"65. 275. 306, 322. 
Ultlejolm, lllomas, 342. 


^^^^M maps of. 8, 244, 245, 


Luckc, Samuel. 289. 


^^^H raihiary company of, 74, 86, 135, 


Log house, laji in Liincaster. 58. 
Lofcer, Mary, 279. 321. 


^^^V 368. 


^^^^ revords, condition of, 5, 313. 


Long Hill, 71, 83. 


^ Uinds, book of. 6, 83, 243, 


Lois, coatine, 42, 71, 18S, 246, 


W cliurth, 27, 39. 45. 156, IBs. 383, 


Lotieries for SudUiry Bridge, 14. 


I ^^ 


Louisburg. cxpeditiwi ngsin" »f '745. »37- 


■ common. 6, 53, 83, 83, 171, 17B. 




■ 180, i9t. 


Lovewell, Lovetl, Captain, 337, 339. 330, 


■ divisions of, 29, 39, 4t,54.6S.*9. 
V 76. 77. 79. 176. iBi. 183, 184. 


340. 341, 343. 331. 
Lovewell's War. 215. 


ft 186. 34s. "48. 


LunenbuiB. '" Turiry ffllli. 224, 336. 




Lunn, Lund, Itiomas, 130, 216. 
Lusher. Major [fi/ftujrl, 38, 87. 


■ iniorvale, 29. 145. 


K meadow. 39. 39, 41. 69. 70. 83. 


Luxlord, Reuben, 321. 


K special granls of, 51, 54. 55. 56. 70. 




B 74. 79, ^. Ba. 83, 91, 245, 348. 


VI AC LOUD. Macl-dt, Mukl-ad. M»kt 
^'^ Load. Muitloadi. Muckhdi. 


B , staQdardor' quality, 186, 346. 


John. lat. 370, 334. 


m^ waste, 247. 


Mordecai. 31, 54, 71. 78. 99. :22, 


^^r Lane, narrow. 64, 213, 390, 291. 


17S. 346. 355. 367, 270. 317, 


^H Lane, Anthony. 259. 335. 336. 
HP Colo^eiT^naa, 335, 338. 


McNeil, Wiflfa'n?!?:. 4. 


■ . Ijilham. Henry M.. 25" 






■ Lawrence. Larrttnci. Reverend Amos E, 




■ Daniorlh, 346. 


Mal<.ne.*W;d«r. 343- 


Esssi.^otr;'"-'^^- 


■ William, 216, 221, 341. 


■ Laws, raid in town-meeting, i^. 


Map of Lancaster. 1653-1883. 8, 



356 



Maquas. 07, 130, 146, 155, 166, 179, 

MarBk. Mnry. 311, 

Marlborough, Matlinw, Marlhirrete, 






7'- 7-1 



119, lao, 124, 146, 15s. Ids, sfig, xjo. 

181, aBa, 385, 387. !>93. *>*. 30S. 3'°. 

3'l.3»S. 3=6. 3^. 
Mdmaen m Lancosler, cncly, 330, tl ttg. 
Marahdil, John, diary of, quoted, 13a. 149- 
Mirvin. Reverend AhijaJi Perkins, 344. 
MitKononoco, Manatniemit. 10, 11, 
Miisiachusclta Hfslorieiil Socieiy. 149,3*7. 

Miissncre of 1675, ^, 370, 306, 303, 
ir^6, 103, 284, 3^ 
!*^ '?■■ ?,^3. 3"S. 
Joiliii amily. 130. 315. 
; Hill and Kind, Masafaiigi, 



MASsapOHg \ 

. .. jipluin John, I7. 

Mnlhei's, Reverend Cotton, Magnalia. 

quonil. 133-3*0- 
MitllBrnuck, S;u:ricin of Quabatig, 115, 
MMlhew, S-igamorK of NMhawny, 31). 309. 
Maynnrd. Mai»/i, John. a6i. 330. 
Joseph, a43. 



Broud, 1B8. Ikji9. 
Brook, 71,97. »7I. 307- 
Cranberry, 394. 
Cumbeiv. 184. 
Krug-holos, II3, 191. 
Great-ponii.7l, 78. 307. 
Hog Swamp, 304, 305. 
Htnokie. kaioku, kaisecl^, 353, 

PliimlKes, 54. 69. 70, 80, 97, 181, 
183. 184. 197, 909. »7I, 303- 

Pollopod, 190. 

Proscotl's. ifia. 183. 

Quositpunikin, 43, 61, 197. 

Rocky Hill, aaa 

Rusemary. 394. 

Round, aoi. 393. 

£ioulh. 195. 

Scectttclc. 304. 

Three Founl»lns, 394. 

l^obaceo.pipe. 394. 
Mairs, Robert, aij. 
Medfirld, loo. 

Mceiing-houses, ay, »9. 50. 113. 399. 340, 
34I, 34*1 343. 344. 345- 

146, 147. 151, 153, 156. 
tSQ, 160, 16a, 340. 341. 
rebuilding. II3. itfi-xdt,. 
Mi-cling of IhP rivers. 67. 173, 378, 300. 



Hot! 



le Prends 



_.. _ ..._ \NaB Bram~ 

Merrlmack River. 16, 334, 335, 336. 338; 

240, 141. 
Mile, the, 8. on/. 
Military journals, aij, 1/ J<v> 
Mill, Samuel Bennelfs. 307. 

Jonas Prescolfa, 97, 397. 

John Prescoitscom,3i, 106,131,1^4. 
161, I77. 

John Pre5cotlssaw,56, 78,131. 

Thomaa Sawyer's, 155, 390, 395. 

Joaeph Whitcomb's, 199, aoo, aoi. 
Miller's River. 33B. 
Milton. 153, aS7. 385, 3<>4.3ai, 3^ 
Mirtisieiiol lands. 07, 45, isfi, tSa, (84. 
Mtnisle[*s house, 37, 55. 1S3. 197. 

mainlenancc. ay, 38. 44, 55, 64, 

133, 137, 14a. 

Ministers of Lancaster, list of, 340. 
Mlnott, Captain James, 13S, \si, Ite, Ha. 
Mohawk, Mitkavff. Makigt, tfehauck. Mo, 

aaj, 936, 337, 335, 340, 341, 
Monad nock, WcmodHvtk, iftnadmiei, 

H'tHadmui, 019, 334, 335. agS, 
Monipni^l Brook, aig. ■ 

Monoco. Sagamore of NipneU, 98. 100, ' 

Mondosuc iiSe,' l!faiiasBi, llinuuael. 
M-mosek, Mnfeuimut, 17^1^3.1^, aiQ. 
Moore, Mivr. Marr, Jacob, 337. 

John. Sen., 34, 30, 94.108. 'SO. '"^ ■ 

137, laS, i^, 366, 3a6, 333. 
John, Jr., Ensign, 34, 36, 34, 3s, 

39. 40. 41, 53. 60. 64. 71, 76, S8, 

las. i»8. "34, 139. '73. "T/. »j8. 

349, 350, 356, a6a, ays, Mi. aBa. 

a86, ^7, 388, 389.393, 305, 306. 

314. 315. 3>6. Jao, 333,396, mj. 
John, 3d, >43. 145, 311,349,39. 

305,306.315.3"- 
Jonnthan, 143, 145, 171, 177, 187, 

198, 308, ail, 349, 389. 3^ y*. 

316. 
Joseph 389,305,306,315. 

Moose, block, 333. 

Mordacoy. 189. 

Morton's "New England's Meraorial," 103. 
"New English Canaan," 46. 

Mosley, Captain Samuel. IcIMr of, 9B. 

Mosman, Samuel, 334, 333. 

Moss. iiiTU. John. iMsomed. 114. 

Mountain, Kcarsage, Ouagrf. 3^. 

Monadnoek, 319, 134. Q5. «<- , 
WacbuEctt, 10, 11,85, tM, 130, 

138, 317, 319. a»o, 334. 346. 
Watatic, aig. 

Miilipiis. Muliftin, River, 319. 

Murder of Indian woruen and, cbildcsn, , 

Stephen, 339. 



Miis 



t Rolls, 

MASHAWAY, Naskavvg. Natktmati. 
'^ Naima, Nashuai, 9, 10. 16, (7,13, aj, 
86, 98, 103, lai, 111. 139, 356, 3^ ays. 



INDEX. 



357 



a8i, 307, 340, 

Nashaway Indians, z6, 17, 38, 91, 97, 102, 

263. 

proprietors, 10, 13. 15, 245, 279. 

River, 9. 22, 25. 64, 80, 139, 144, 

193, 219, 220, 273, 274, 278, 

279, 283, 290, 291. 292, 296, 

304- 
Sagamores, 11, 16, 39, 102, 107, 

III, 112, IIS, 116, 117, 138, 

139. 309- 
wading-place, 8, 25, 59, 67, 273. 

Nashacowam Naskoonon^ ShovHinon, Sho- 

Ian, 10, II, 38, 139. 
Nashobah [Littleton], 112. 
Naticoolc, Neticoock, 239. 
Natick Indians, 85, 100, 102. 
Naukeag Pond. Nockeeg, 237. 
Neal's, Daniel, " Present State of N. E." 

quoted, 246. 
Neck, the, 29, 33, 79. 144, 145, 161, 180, 

183, 185, map, 244, 249, 250, 252, 254, 255, 

264, 265, 275. 
Neck Bridge, 183. 

Neglect of public worship, 91, 94, 129. 
Nepanet, Nepponet, Nepenomp, alias Tom 

Dublet, 109, III, 113. 
Nesonkecg Brook, 233. 
New Braintree, loi. 
New Boston, 345. 
Newbury, 57. 

New England Historic Genealogical Soci- 
ety, 91, 119, 276, 327. 
Histoncal and Genealogi- 
cal Register, 230, 312. 
" New England Canaan," quoted, 46. 
" New England Prospect," quoted, 21. 
" New England's Memorial," quoted, 103. 
New Grant, 8, 138, 174, 177, 179, 192, 194. 
Newby, Nube, George, 128, 300, 302, 303. 
Ncwhall, Michael, 335. 
New Jerusalem Church, 345. 
Newton, 165. 
Newton, Anthony, qa 

Reverend U. Augustine, 344. 
Joseph, 167. 
'• News from New England," quoted, 104. 
News Letter, Boston, quoted, 146, 149, 

165. 
Nichewaug, \Petershafn\, 229, 331. 
Nichols, Nicholds, Benjamin, 216, 221. 

. 269. 

Nicholson, Captain Francis. 125. 

Night Pasture, 20, 85, 97, 183,236,262,272, 

399. 331- 
Nipncts or Nipmucks, 98, 102. 

^oxi'aSiKX\2LQ.\}&,Nonacoyecos, \Ayer\ g^,2^Q, 

276. 

Norcross, Reverend Nathaniel, 11, 12, 13, 

340. 
Northneld, 224, 232. 

North Hampton, 146. 

Nourse, Henry Stedman, i, 3, 4, 336. 

Stedman, 296. 
Nowell, Increase, 38, 

Reverend Samuel, 106. 
Noyes, Noyce, Ensign Thomas, Survey by, 



8. 64. 6s, 74, 139. 
Nutfield. 242. 
Nutting, John, 244. 

Nathaniel, 244. 

OAKES, Reverend Edward, 123, 34a 
Oath of fidelity, 22, 26. 
Old Book, of records, s, 31. 37. 248. ^so, 

273, 288, 338. 
Old burying field, ^, 183, 204, 273, 278, 

279. 
Old Common, 14s, 212, 294* 298, 341. 
Old Common burial ground, 164, 341. 
Old Queen, 112. 
Old Rock, 278. 
One-eyed John, alias Monoco, 98, loo, 107, 

112, 117,324. 
Orchards, 55, 85, 260, 305, 331. 
Orders of Selectmen, 40, 50, 52, 64, 69. 
Orthodox Congregational Church, 343. 
Osgood, Benjamin, 216, 221. 

David, 216, 220. 221, 243, 338. 
Hooker, 175, 185, 186, 191, 19s, 
199, 201, 203, aos, 261, 300, 319. 

, 3a?. 331. 

Hooker, Jr., 188, 319. 

Jonathan, 243. 

Joseph, 339. 
Ossipee, Ossify, 2^ 
Oyster River, 233. 
Oyster shells, $j, 

PACKARD, Reverend Asa, 043. 
■^ Reverend Charles, 343. 

Reverend Hezekiah, 343. 
Page, Joseph, 243. 

Oncsiphorus, petition of, iis. 
Paige, Reverend Lucius R., 3*13. 
Pal^hoag, Sachem, PaJkasAoia^, iij^, 116. 
Palmer, Reverend James S., 342. 
Park, the, 218, 2^. 
Parker, Bcnjamm, 229. 

Edmund, 30, 32, 37, 39, 40, 41, 71, 
91, 122, 248, 25s, 2S6, 2S7, 301. 
314, 322, 326. 
Elizabeth, bastard of, 91. 
George A., 29s, 336. 
Harold, 2. 
Herbert, 4, 
Isaac, 243. 

Captiiin James, 96, 97, 116, 13a 
Joshua, 234. 237. 
Phineas, 216, 221, 243. 
Parks, Jonathan, 229. 

Deacon William. 93. 
Pasturage, Common, 21, 50, 53, 83, 171. 
Pasture, the night, 20, 85, 97, 183, 236, 262, 

272,299. 
Patterson, Reverend Richard J., 344. 
Pautucket, [Lovfe//,'] 16. 
Peage, or Wampum, 11, 263. 
Pearly, Jacob. 229. 

Jeremiah. 229. 
Pecwunsenn Pond, 238. 
Pelham, Pellam, Captain William, 15. 
Pemigewasset River, PemichewashetJPemi' 
siwassett, Pimiwachet, etc., 231, 234, 23S1 



358 



[•cnccook River, ffnieutk, PrnicBokt, Ptn- 
Hot't, B, jj, ^S, 60. 144. iw, »«, »50. 
351, 351, 953, 254. 155, 356, aHo, aba, aUi, 
HJS. aBo, 283, 393, a94. 395, 399, 

Penecook wading-pluce, ao, 60, 97, 149, 



Pequid, [A>w Z^nrfmJ 6a, 064. 

Perry, Selh, iia. 

PeUpawag, [(^ipAimJ 363. 

Pelersham, 239. 

Pelilionsof Nashaway Company, 11, 13, 

15, »'. a3' 
PeUtions, oT (he town of Lancaster, 37, 49, 

59. 79. 90.M.9S, >o7, "9. 'ao, 103, 125, 

131. 136. '38, l4<^ >S'. 'Sa. 'SS. "57. >58. 

161. 163. 171, 17a. 175, 193. 
PelHums of sunaiy persons, 47. 48. 03, 73, 

86. 90, 115, iiB, 137, 136, 14a, 147, 148, 

tS3, 166, 168, MS. 227, 309. 

Penee, Reverend Joseph, 345. 

nielps, Edward, iBo, 259, 319, 

loBhua, 243- 

Robert 329. 

PhlUp, 107, 112, tt6. 



Ponds,— NaukcaE. Nsckteg.xyj. 



Pl^CW 



1, ajB. 



Canada Eipedi- 



Phips, Sir William, h 

Picrto', Jolln, 31, 

Pierponl, Ptrpmil, Mr. \Ebtne: 

«/*a«?] 175, 
Pierson. Jonolhan, 243. 
Plgwackcl, ai6, 227, 230. 

Pike, (ohn, liis journal ij , - - . 

Fine dill. Pin, 180. I90, 205, 206. 258, 

Pine trees, 56, 176. 

Pjsqualnqua River, 233. 

Hiune, Andrew, 118. 

Planters of Luicasler, first. 30. 39. 

PlBtls, Mary, 278, 313. 

" s, 54. 62,70.80.97,183, 183, 184, 

), 156. 360, 271, 283, 303. 

!:hrulopher A„ 3^ 



PoUev. I 
Pomfion 



, Pumham. 10 
1, "76. 



n, fi« (^aiitponikm^ 184. 
,— Bare Hill, 8. 

Caleconimaug. 219, 

Chesqiionopog, 70. 

Clamihell, 99S. 

Cumbery. 184. 

Cusumpe. 230. 236, 240, 341, 

Great. \Batt Hai,\ 73.78. 

Massapoag. Maiafiaugf, Maiha- 
fBog. Mmhapogt. 8. 174, 194, 



UncacliEvialunk, Uncktcmoala- 
UHk. Uakackeaalinick. Kaikt- ■ 
vralunck. B, 174. 193, 319. 

Wanominock. WaintmihoiKk. 319. 

WashaL-um, Waihiuiim. Waska. 
camt, Waikucomii. Wkaiktf 
can, 8, 61. 74, 79.8a, 83.91. tSo, 
186. ao4. 9iS, 319. xji. 

West, an. 

Winnipiseogce. Wi aifiiot ktl. 
WiHKitpitoikry. Wmepiteock- 
". 130. '3'. '39- 
Pope, Bealni. 144. 331. 

iotin, i«7, 394. 321. 
[everend Rufus S., 34a. 
Population of Lancaster in 1715, I76. 
Post masters. Hit of, 345. 
Potato, wild. \Afws liiiervlaf] 33. 
Potter, Saiah. 321. 
Pound, 50, 131. 
Power, Daniel. 243. 
Powowwing, /HHtniMii^, 17. 

Praying Indians, 98. 99, loo, no, 113. 
PrcclncI, second, church in, 34a. 
Prentice. Pmtti. Reverend John, S. ^ 
164, 169, 173. 176. I8a, 184, 
1S5, 187, aoa, ao8. aaS, 37B, 
aa* 300. 305, 33a, 34a. 
Doctor Slonion, 183. 
Captain llionias. tao, 115, l6j. 
I'tescotl, Benjamin, 217. 

Ebenezcr, 144, 318, 33a. 
John. 10, 12, 13. 14. IS, 17. (8. 19, 
32. 14. as. 30, 3». 33. 34. 39. 40. 
■I'. +6. 47. 48. 4?. 50.61,65,67. 
71. 7a. 73. 7S. 70. 77. 79. 9'. M. 

97. 108. 119. 110, 191. 146. 148, 

350, 351, 3&(, W3, 371175. *76. 
277, a78. 379, Aa. b8i, 383, 084, 
287. 288. 289. 290. 393. 294. 295, 
297. 398. 306. 308. 3I'.3"3. 3*5. 
330' 
John. Jr.. 14. lao, lai, 144. 156. 
i6a, 168, 173. 277. 379.317. 31a, 

John. 3d. 144. 156. iBa. 196, aoa. 

308,317. 
Jonas, 97. 19s, 376. a79, 313, 331. 
Jonathan. 24. 94. loB. 113. lao, 
1*7. 138. 174. '93. '93. »77. !»7a. 
279. 299, 300, 313. 317. 321, 333. 
Doctor Jonathan. 136. 167. 
Samuel. 138, 141, 144, 145. I48. 
ISO. 1E2, 278, 341, 
■Vrscotl's Mills. 31, 36, 106. 374. 
Pce&cnimenCs by grand jury, 48. 68, 74. 86, 

94, 117, laB, 137, 17a, 17J. 181. 
Prices of ComiDodillKl. 49. 35. IJ4. 
Priest. Gabriel, aio. 

Daniel, iBa, 309. sio, 

John, 143, 145. 153. >73. ao6, 248, 



INDEX. 



359 



302, 326. 
Priest, John, Jr., 143. l8p, 302. 
Priest and Houghton's hme kiln, 57. 
Prince Library, 114. 
Printing press, first in N. E., 308. 
Proprietors, Clerks of, 43, 77, 176. 

Covenant of, 27. 

Estates of, 39, 248. 

Homes of, maps, 244. 

Petitions of, 13, 15, 22, 37, 49. 

Records of, 5, 176, 245. 
Prudential managers, 22, 25. 
Public houses. 327, et seq, 
Puckatau^h, Peter, 139. 
Pulpit, building of, 164. 
Pummannommon, 276. 
Purchase of Nashaway, 9. 

of additional grant. 138, 179. 
Putnam, Captain William, 335, 336. 

Q\}K&0\Q,Quabogud, Quabacokt Quo- 
aMauge^ Quapaug, \l3rookfield\t 11, 
16,98.103, 117. 

Quanapaug, Quannapohit^ Quentpenttt^ 
91, 100, 139, 275. 

Quanohit, Sagamore, alias James Wiser, 
III. 

Quanipun, Sagamore, 116. 

Quarlis, Joanna, 285, 320. 

Qu<isaponikin, Ponikin, Quascacanaquen^ 
QuosopoMagon^ Quasaponacin^ Quassa^ 
ponikin, Quasaponacan, Quosaponikin, 
Quasopontcan, 42, 61, 78, 79, 179, 184, 
196, 197, 218, 249, 252, 254, 255, 257, 258. 
259. 260, 265, 267, 270. 

Queen Anne's War, 140, et seq, 

Qurrin, William, 243. 

Quiticus Hills, 219. 

TD AND, Christopher A., 346. 
-*^ Nathaniel, 345, 346. 

Ransom of captives, 109, et seq. 
Rates. 28, 45, 51, 64, 79, 81, 122, 128, 140. 

151, 162, 185, 207. 
Rattlesnakes, 233. 
Rattlesnake Hill, 301. 
Rayner, Raner, keynor, Samuel, 17, 18, 19, 

273- 
Raynham. 49. 

Reading, 221. 342. 

Records of Births, 5, 312, et seq. 

Church. 5, 

Deaths, 5, 322. 

Estrays, 6. 

Lands, 43, 51, 52, 245. 

Marriages, 5, 320, et seq. 

Proprietors, 5, 245. 

Roads, 6, 53. 60. 

Town-meetings, 5, 41, 48, 55, 
56,69, 74,78, 176 to 211. 
Red Spring, 176, 177, 179, 199. 
Redstone Hill, 219. 
Reed, Read^ Reverend James, 345. 

Joseph. 229, 334, 

338. 
Rendezvous tree, Randevou^ 190, 191. 
Renie, Henry, 322. 



Representatives of Lancaster, list of, 332, 

et seq. 
Resettlement, petition for, 1679, 119. 
Revolution of 1688, the town's action in, 

126. 
Rice, Edmund, 45. 

iohn A,, 278. 
oseph, 293. 
lerrick, 338. 
Captain Peter, 192. 
Richard, 243. 
Richardson, Jonathan, 243. 

WilUam, 334. 338. 339. 
Rigby, John, 31, 44, 52, 54, 72, 108, 248, 

262, 280. 291. 295, 296, 315, 320. 
Rigby Brook, 196. 

Rivers. — Androscoggin, Amrescoggin, 226. 
Connecticut. 227. ^2, 236. 
Contocook, Contociock^ 231, 235, 

238. 
Kennebeck, 226. 
Lancaster, 174, 194. 
Merrimack, Merimak, Meremack, 
Marrinuuk, 16, 46, 224, 225, ^i, 
236, 238, 240, 241. 
Miller's, 238. 
Mulpus, Mullipur's^ 219. 
Nashaway, Nashuway^ 22, 25, 33, 
61, 7% 144, 193, 219. 220, 273, 
274. 278, 279, 283, 290, 291, 292. 
296,301. 
North, 9, 33, 34, 174. 193, 195, 199, 
200, 219, 220, 250, 257, 259, 260, 
262, 265, 267, 268, 269, 270, 273, 
281, 284, 286. 287, 288, 291, 296, 
J^. 299. 300, 3CX|. 
Ossipee, Ossippy^ 240. 
Oyster, 233. 

Pemigewassct, Pemichewashet^ 
Pimiwachet,Pemisiw<issett, &c., 
231, 234, 23s. 238, 240, 241. 
Penecook, Penecuck^ Penicook^ 
Pennicook^ Penicooke, Pentu- 
cook, 9, 33. 45, 60, 144. 199, 231, 

233. 238. 239. 249. 250, 251, 252, 
253, 254, 255, 256, 258, 260, 262, 
266. 275, 280, 283, 293, 294, 295, 
299. 

Piscataquog, 233. 

Saco, Saivco, 230, 236, 241, 242. 

Sowhegan, Hawhaig, 219, 24a 

Squanicook, 219. 

Still, 54. 61, 62, 70. 97. 141, 236, 
251, 271, 272, 273, 274, 280, 296. 

301. 
Stillwater, 218. 
Ware, 234, 237. 
Roads, earliest, 4^, 60, 64, 77, 96. 
Robbins, Robin, Daniel, 339. 

Eleazar, 243. 
Robertson, Doctor David Steuart, 145. 
Robinson, Elder Dorcs Alonzo, 345. 
Reverend John, 137, 340. 
Nathaniel, 122, 288. 
Nehemiah, 229. 
Rogers, Rodgers, Jeremiah, 30, 72, 78, 86, 
122, 207. 248, 257, 258, 259, 270. 



-. ■* 



360 



INDEX. 



393. 3»4. 315. 316, 317. 321, 322. 

324. 325. 
Rogers, Samuel, 200, ao2. 

RoUstone, Rolestone, Mill, 219, 220. 

Roofs, forms of early, 58. 

Roper, ICphraim. 105. 133, 135, 136, 282, 

317, 318, 321, 324, ytti. 

John, 31. 39. 40, 45, 60, 71, 77, 79, 

80, 106, 108, 135, 177, 248, 280, 

281, 282, 288, 291, 309,310, 311, 

325. 331. 

Roper's Brook, 61, 273. 278, 282. 288, 296. 
Ross, 'ITiomas, 141, 144, 146, 152, 156, 243, 

a86. 
Rowlandson, Roienson, Kino/inson, Kou- 

lison, Hridget, 62, 284, 300, 
320. 

Reverend Joseph, 20,24, 3i. 
40,41,44. 46, 50.51. 55.60, 
62, 64. 71. 102, 104, 106, 
109,111.114,115,119,132, 
134. 248, 254. 262, 263, 274, 
296, 299, 300, 301. 303, 314, 
315. 316, 320, 322. 324, 325, 
340. 

Joseph. Ir.. 105, 115, 299, 
300. 301, 314. 

Mrs. Mary, Narrative of, 98, 
102. 

Tliomsis, Sen., 24, 48, 62, 
274, 300, 322. 34a 

'nn)iiKi.s, 3d, 104. 

Rowley, 2(k>. 

Roxburv. 21. 92. 165. 254, 256. 

Rugg, 6enjainin, 243. 

Daniel, 141, 144, 187, i<A 206, 283. 

332. 

Hannah. 133. 136. 283. 315, 32^3. 

John. 24. 31. 3*^ 40. 4 1 , 48. ix\, 72. 82. 
120, 122. uju, '247, 248. ■2^^2, 274, 
279, 280. 281, 282. 283. a;i, 314, 

315. 3»^ 317. 3^. 322, 325. 3^' 
]ohn. Ir., 144, 171. 283. 315. 
Joseph, 133, 283, 316, 320. 
S;innicl. 180, 211, 325. 
Rum, 106, 329. 330. 
Rutland, 217, 218, 219, 220, 234, 235, -2^7, 

238. 
Rutter (yoA//f),soS- 
Rye-field. Prescoii's, 60, 1S2, 273, 278, 288, 
289. 

CABBATH ordinances, neglect of. 91, 

*^ i^, 96, 129. 

Sabbath scene in 1706, 164. 

Saco, Sa-uvo, River, 230, 236, 241, 24-. 

Saeononoc. 10. 

Saint Francis, 227, 234. 

Sagamore, election of, 38. 

Salary of minister. 28, 55, 64. 1S5. 

of representative, 207, 333. 

of sciioohnaster. 185, 202, 207. 
Salem. 253. 259, 323. 341. 
Salmon Falls, 242. 
Salisbury, 62, 115. 

Sam, alias Shoshanim, Saganionr, 39, 102, 
107, XII, 112, 115, 116, 117, 324. 



I 



Sanders, Reverend Daniel C, 341. 

Sanderson, Roliert, 252. 

Satell, David, 216, 

Sawyer, Stiyrr, Sauier, Amos, 202. 

Ik'Tialiel, 156, 187, 202, 206. 

Caleb, 143, 173, 182. 183, 189, ao9. 

210, 248, 290, 306, 314. 

Elias, 155. 184. s88, 190, 195, 203. 

Kphraim, 106, 290, 313. 

&.ra, 220, 221, 229, 242. 

Ezra, 2d, 336. 

Henry, 242. 

]ames, 321. 

John, 191. 229. 315, 319. 

Jonathan, 187, 203. 

Joseph, 143. 1^7, 178, 180, 201, 2C34, 

211. 
foshua, 321. 
Nathaniel, 141, 144, 145, 154, 156, 

168, 179. 188, 195, 196, 201, 204, 

316, 328. 
Samuel, 216, 221, 229, 242. 
Thomas, 22, 25. 31, 34. 39. 40, 41, 

43. 44. 48. SO. 52, 61, 64. 71, 79, 

108, 120, 122, 138, 144. 248, 273, 

274, 279, 289, 290, 291, 292, 397. 

306, 313. 314. 320. 323, 326. 
Thonuis, Jr., 108, lao, 122, 138, 

144, 145, 152, 155, 173, 182, 186. 

211, 290, 295, 313, 317, 321, 323, 

334. 
William, 143, 173, 177, 178, 302, 

205. 332. 

Scalps*, bounty upon, 106, 229. 

Scar Hriilgc. 177, 180. 

Scatf, Slaif, Skeat/i, John, 133, 135, 261, 

280, 32<). 
Schools, 172, 175. 
School-house Hill, 341. 
Schoolmasters, 172, 175, 185, 202, 207, 
Scituatc, 2'^. 

Scouts, journals of, 215, et Stu/, 
Scriptrr. S.iinucl, 2i<>,'22i. 
Scars, .VfV.*, Anna, 2f/2, 
lolin. 2\r2. 

kcvcu-nd Ivlnuuid Hamilton, 342, 
Selectmen, 50. rx,, 74,77, 128. 158, 171, 172, 

175, liSi. iv-ij, i»>8, 202, 208. 328. 
Senators, list of, 330. 
Ser\'ant, bought, 2(v« 
Seventh Day A(Ivcnlists Church, 290, 291, 

345- 
Scwall, Sauuiel. 1 )iary of, 109. 117, 126, 

Shatluik Manuscripts, qi, 119, 276. 
Shattuck, lanu;s, '2i('). 221. 

S.unuel, 229. 
Sh.iw, lohn, 20. 
Slu^at, VVilliani, 2<k), 306. 
Slu-p.irtl, 1 )aniel. 243. 

John, 2-13. 

Kt.'vcreud Thomas, 73. 
Shepley. John, 243. 

Jonathan, 216, 221, 243. 
Sherborn, 130. 253, ^2!(.i, 
Sheritfs, 337. 
Sherman, lohn, 177. 



INDEX. 



361 



Sholan, Shirwanon, Shaumanw, 11, 16, 38, 

66, 139, 322. 
Shoshunini, alias Sam, 39, 102, 107, iii, 

112, 115, 116, 117. 
Shrewsbury, Skruhui^, 219, 342. 
Shrewsbury I-Ajg, map, 8. • 

Signatures ol early settlers, 24. 
Silvanus, negro, 93. 
Silver, Reverend Abiel, 345. 
Sill, Scyll, Ciiptain Joseph, 106. 
Simon Boshakum, alias Pottoquam, 116. 
Simon Fipo's planting-field, 145. 
Simson, Thomas, 231. 
Singletary, Singleterfy, Richard, 166. 
Skeaih, John, see Scate. 
Skid more, Scidmorc, Thomas, 13, 15, 
Slave, 267. 
Sleeping Rock, 267. 
Smadley. John, 45. 
Smith. Moses, 336, 338. 
James, 143. 

John. 30. 34, 39, 40, 41. 71, 146, 248, 
261, 269, 284, 285. 286, 287, 314. 
323. 
Richard, 18. 19, 20, 24, 32. 37. 39, 
40,41,60, 246, 248, 261. 262, 203, ! 
2S3, 284, 285, 286. 296, 299, 314, 
320, 322. 
Snow, fames, 144. 173. 184, 202, 203. 

James, Jr., 144. 
Snowshoes. loi, 142. 
Soldiers, lists of, 127, 215, 216, 220, 221, 

229. 
SoUendinc, John, 130. 
Sowhegan, Soivhaig, Indians, 16. 

River, 219. 240. 
Spalding, SpalJen, John. 146, 148. 

William, 229. 
Spectacle meadow, 304. 
Spraguc. Honorable John, 335, 336, 337. 
Spring. Cold, 145. 301, 304. 

Red, 176, 177, 179. 199, 297. 
Spung or Spong. 54, 262. 
.Scpianicook River, 219, 
Squaws and sannups, 240. 
Squaw Sachem, \^ii'gctamoo,] 11. 
Stated Common, 178, 179, 180, 181, 187, 

281, 283. 287. 292, 297. 
St(rarns, Kli, 335. 
Stedman, William, 335, 337. 
Stcevons, Cyprian, 24. 84. 86. loi, 108, 121. 
127, 128, 141. 144, 156, 162, 
168, 177, 211, 243, 261. 272, 
312, 317, 318, 321, 338. 
Simon, 84, 141, 14.4. 152, 156, 
168, 173, 180, 215, 251. 261, 
272. 299. 318. 
Stephens, John, 216, 229. 
St<*rhng. 91, 166, 245, 260, 276, 286, 298, 

336. 342. 
Stevens, Reverend Benjamin, 341. 

Captain. \^P/iineas^ 217. 

Elizi\beth, 267. 

Samuel, 166. 

Reverend Timothy. 134. • 

William, 242. 
Stickney, Samuel, 229. 



Still River, 54, 61, 62, 70, 86, 97, 141, 236, 
251. 253, 271, 272, 273, 274, 280, 296, 301, 
330. 

Stillwater River, 218. 

Stockade, Watertown to Wamesit, 106. 

Stocks, 50, 137. 

Stoddard, Anthony, 73. 

Stone, Joseph, 202. 

Deacon, [Daniel^ lao. 

Stoughton. Governor William, 133. 

Stow, 128. 

Stow, Samuel, 185, 243. 

Stratton, H. B., 285, 331. 

Street, the so-called, 33, 61, 196, 273, 280, 
281, 282. 283, 284, 2b6, 288, 289, 291. 29.4, 

295- 
Strong drink, sale of, 85, 263, 327, et sci/. 

Stuart, John, 338, 

Sudbury, Sudbepy, Sudburyc, 13, 14, 22, 23, 
26, 47, 63, 65, 100, 107, 119, 120, 224, 258, 
268, 279, 281, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 
321. 
Sudbury River and Marsh, 13, 14. 
Sumner, Deacon Roger, 24. 31, 39, 40, 72. 
74. 75. 96. 97. 107. 248. 257, 259, 
269. 304. 315. 316. 317. 320, 322, 
326. 
Samuel, 128, 257. 
Suncook, 233, 239. 
Survey of additional grant, 174, 192. 

of original grant, 65, 
Surveyor for proprietors, 70, 178, 179. 
Sutton, Richard, 31. 
Swamp, Hemp, 297. 

Hog. 196, 198, 204, 205, 304, 305. 

Horse, 294. 

Swan, 45, 46, 60, 97, 188, 189. 198, 

249. 260. 
Walnut. 61, 187, 188. 189. 196,206, 
287, 297, 300, 302. 
Swagon, 118. 

Swans in Merrimack River, 46. 
Swift, Thomas, 122, 285. 
Symmcs, Oileb T., 261. 272. 
Symonds, Henry, 9. 34, ^21. 
Symonds and King trucking house, 9. 34. 
83, 246, 261. 275, 277, 329. 

HTAHANTO, Dahannata, George. 138. 

173. 179. 193- 
Tailer, Colonel William, 128, 153, 192. 

Tar and Tuq")entine, 176. 

Tarbol, Samuel, 229. 

Tatatiquinea, Peter, 11 1. 

Taylor, Frank D., 146, 285, 331. 

John, 231. 
Taxation without representation. 23. 
Taxes abated, 56, lao, 151. 
Teachers, 172, 175, 185, 202. 207. 
Temple, Abigail, 321. 

Isaac, 253. 

Jonathan, 243. 
Thatching tools, ^7. 
Tliayer, Eugene V'. R., 182. 

Nathaniel. 4. 

Reverend .Nathaniel, D. D., 342. 
Thompson, Doctor J. I^ S., 249, 336, 339. 






362 



INDEX. 



'niurston, Cai)iain John, 335. 

John Ciiitcs, 335. 336, 33<). 

John, Jr.. 33(). 

"Saniucl. 3^. 

Silas. 336. 

Wilder S., 346. 
TimlKT IMain. 258. 

Tinkfr. I'incker, John. 20, 24. 25, 31,37, 
40, 50. 52. 59, 60, 64, 68, 246. 248, 2<ji. 
2^)2, 263. »'h, 272, 274. 280, 298, 299, 320. 

32a, 337. 33«. 
Toliacco. io(>, III, 265. 
Todd, Reverend John E., 343. 
Tom Dublet, alias Nepanet, 110, iii, 113. 
Tf.M)ml»s, William. 277. 
Torrcy, El>enc/.i*r, 338. 
Towers, John, 31. 
'I'own Clerks. Iibt of. 338, 339. 
Town hrand marks, 16. 80. 
Town meetings, attendance at required, 

80. 
records of, 5. 41, 55. 56, 
69,74.78. 17610 211. 
warning. 56. 
Town ortk'«*rs el«'cted, 77. 185, 187, 202 

208, 212. 
TowuMMid. He/.ekiah, 191, 195, 206, 211. 
Tow'nslii|), grant of. 21, 25. 

full lilM?rty of a, 37, 49, 78, 90. 
Training field, 180, 187. 
Training-^. 5^, 74, 87, 88. 
Trucking houstr »>! Symontls and King, 9, 

I mil, Sanuiel, 2J>>. 

Iiiikrr, looker, Aithur, 128. 

TliDUJ.is. n/7. 20<). 210, 211, 298. 
I'lU'lls. ///<■/. /m'-WA. Marnard. 20), 243. 
Turni-i. Sii-\i-ns 11.. 34^1. 

Cijji.iin WiNiam. 135. 
TMi|tfntirii\ 17M. 
Tiirki-v Hills. \l.uneitbutx.\ 194,217,218, 

21.;. J J J. JJ.v 2-i.j. 236, 2.H. 
TMiulu-li. iii.ht'l, Hrnjamin. 30. 
'I viu;. IvKsard. <*i. 

(!(i|()ni'I l''len/ar. 136. 138. 142, 162, 

I'lH, 215, 22 J. 223. 231. 235. 
Jonathan. 15M. 

( 'aptain Wi.liam. 146, 147, 148,1^4, 
i':8. 

! TNIIAKIAN Chureh, 3.10. 3ji. 342. 
*^ I'nivris.ilist clnireh, 342. 
I "lu .nhfw.ihink i*i)n«l, I ■Htheco\i\ilounk , 
I 'fiktti ftt-,i\ilNH.l', A'tii/it'7i'ti//fHik, H. 174, 

I '|ip.ini|>p.ii|iuin), ii'S. 
I '■•Imt. liilltl, 21'1. 

rsk.ittiilii;ijn. .ili.is Sam. 111,324. 

\ ;.\Lri-'. .it rm.itrs nf first s.-ttU-rs 30. 
* I.unls. iK(). 

Si lii»olma»itiT's serviees.203. 

Jt»7. 
.1 l»(iui;ht servant. 2^7. 
simdii.'S .ji,. 51. 118. 134. 
14-;, 154, IM7. 108. 185. 180, 



Varnum, John, 229. 

Veiwing liighways, lx3unds and fences. ^4. 

81. 
Virgin, Ebcne/AT, 221. 
Volunteers, 107, 225,^26, 229. 
Vose. Jane, 321. 

Samuel J. S., 261, 331. 
Voters, qualificiitions for, 52. 

WAIIVN, 115. 

^^ Waohusett, li arrAassr/, llafiAu- 
sett, Wachusets, W'ockoosctt, 10, 
II, 85, 112, 130, 138, 217. 219. 
220, 234, 332, 346. 

Wading places, 8, 20, 59, 60, 67, 97, 249, 

273. 331- 
Wadsworih. Captain Samuel, 101. 103. 

Wales. Joseph. 338. 339. 345. 

Nathaniel, 303. 304. 

Walker, Ik'njamin, 229. 

IsjUic. 10. 13, 15. 16. 

Isabel. 323. 

Scth. 200. 

Walnut Swamp. 61, 187, 188, 189, 196. 206, 

207, 287, 297, 300. 302. 

Wamcsit, [ TnvkshNry, ffoio Litjtv//,] 106. 

Wampom, or |K*age, 11, no, 263. 

Wanomenock Pond, 219. 

War, Queen .Anne's, 140. 

I^)veweirs, 21^. 

Philip's. 08. 

King William's. 125. 

Ward, Henry. 31. 

Nahum, I7»). 177, 304. 

Nathaniel, his "New Knglnnd's 

l*r()$peet," 21. 

Reverend Kichanl, 345. 

S.iiiuu'l. vrj, 335. 

( '.ij)tain Samuel, 338. 339. 

Deacon Willi.im. 120. 1^2. 
W.in", .Mrs. M.iry (>.. 134. 
Wan' River, 234. J37. 
Warn«T, I.iruu-nani I^lea/ar. 2^f^, 240. J4J. 

243- 
John, 143, if.Ki, joi;. 210. 24(j. 302. 

3'»3. 
Samu«'I. i7«/. 1S7, 203. 204, 2f7. 
210, 302. 
Warning nut of town. 80. 181. 20Q. 
Washaeum. H '.;.»'/.7r:>/;/,V. li'/t.n/jii.om. 
\ I 'i's/it't:u m, \l'ti</i.t,.'ff/, II iW hiikit m . 
\\'a\fiiikim, \\'a<i/i,uopnh. '»i, 74. 71). S2. 
83. 91. 115. l.So. I8^ 105. 20J. 218. 275. 
276. 308. 
Washburn, John M.. 33'!. 
Wassamagom. n./.f'./wiV'/.v/w. 10.11. 
Wata(pi;ii|ock. \\ ii/.ii/itii.io^ kt\ W ',i.\i ri.i- 

tihk, 1 1 \l/i2./iO >,/.'kt\ 1 1 "i/,/.|.///,^/. .. <-, J J. 

45, 60. 71. 132. 141. 145. 157. iS>. ii,-,. 

270. 28.y. 2'/\ 301. 3f^. 3^5. V>'^ 
Wataliek. 2Hj. 
Watch house. 141^ 
Watrrs, Adam. 2'»o, J'li. 2S'.i, 313. 323. 

lost'ph, 1-22, I2rf, 143. 232. ytxi. 

-'". .^"7. 3^^. 3«8- 
I-iwrt-nci-. i;s. ii,. 20. 24. 2" 1. 30. 

.<-'. .^7. 3". 4". 41.5-. '•'^. 7-!. 74. 



INDEX. 



363 



76, 85, 118. 122. 135, 246, 248, 
252. 260, 261, 262, 273. 275, 283, 

293. 313. 3*4. 322, 335. 331- 
Waters, Samuel, 261, 321. 

Stephen, 122, 135, 260, 261, 286. 

Watertown, 10, 11, 21, 31, 35, 86, 106, 109, 

134, 251. 256, 260, 275. 278, 279, 281. 295, 

298, 321, 322, 326, 340. 

Wafkins, Andrew, 244. 

Weights and Meiisures, 68, 74, 137. 

Wedge, Thomas, 316. 

Wells, H'Wj, 242. 

Richard, 62, 115. 

Wenham, 254. 

Wentworth, Colonel [yoAfi], 226, 

West, Mary, 209. 

West Townc, 23. 

Wethersfield, 119, 266, 301, 325, 340. 

Whaley, Lieutenant George, 17, 18, 19. 

Wheeler, Abraham, 132, 133, 318. 

Ephraim, 216, 220, 221, 243. 

Cieorge, 45. 

Isaac, 319. 

Joseph, 99. 323. 

Josiah, 143, 173. 189, 191. 195, 

196, 198, 204. 304. 

Richard, 71, 80, 82, 106, 157. 248, 

279, 292, 293, 315. 316, 317, 322. 

Samuel, 127, 128, 293, 325. 

Sergeant, Thomas, 15. 

Zehediah, 307, 315. 

WMieelock, John, 242. 

Joseph, 141, 144, 160, 161, 189, 

2ZO, 216, 220. 221, 229, 319, 
332. 

Josiah, 205, 249. 
Timothy, 127. 
Whipping iKJst, 129. 
Whip sutterage, plantation, 65. 
Whitcomb, iX'hetcombe, IVMt/coM, Co\ov\c\ 

Asa, 334, 330. 
David, 143, i8o, 188, 196. 197. 

200, 201, 202, 207, 266, 293. 

321. 328, 329, 331. 
Widow, Hannah, 130, 266. 
Ilfzckiah, 143, 187, 201. 205. 

207, 266, 293, 318. 
Job, 04. 108. 265, 266. 317.321. 
Colonel and General John, 338. 
John, Senior, 24, 30, 37, 39.40. 

41, 63, 71, 248. 250, 252, 264. 

265, 266, 322, 323. 
John, Jr., 30, 39, 40, 41. 71, 108. 

121, 188, 231, 248, 264, 265, 

206, 267, 317, 32X, 325. 
Jonathan, 89. 94, 108, 121, 141, 

144, 152. 156, 265. 266, 316, 

317, 319, 320, 325. 
Joseph, Doctor, 229, 231. 242. 
Josiah, 124, 137, 143, 158, 160, 

161, 171, 173, 265, 266, 315, 

3^6, 317, 318. 319, 320, 323. 

,.334. 
Garrison, 145. 

White's Pond, 184, 220. 

While, ICmory 11.. 259. 

Eunice, 227. 



I 



White, Q^ptain John, 166, 176, 187, 188. 
190, 198, 208, 222, 225, 226, 227, 
228, 229, 23b, 232, 254, 319, 338, 

, 329. 331- 

John, Senior, 30, 32. 36, 39, 40. 41, 

44. 54. 56, 61, 72, 76, 191. 195. 
248. 253. 254, 293. 300, 32a. 

Jonathan, 166, 228. 

Josiah, 24, 97, lao, 122, 128, 141. 
145, 156, 162, 166, 168, 177, 184, 
187, 191. 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 
200. 202, ao6, 208, 210, 228. 254, 
255, 256, 266, 318, 319. 

Josiiih, Jr.. 228, 334. 
Whiting, Alice, {Cook), 24, 126, 134, 138. 

iamcs, 30. 
Lcverend John, 126, 132, 134, 
138. 326, 340. 
General John, 335, 337. 
Timothy, 126. 
Timothy, Jr., 337, 338, 345. 
Solon, 335, 339. 
Whitman, Davis, 335, 336. 

Reverend Samuel, 137, 341. 
Whitney, Anna H., 4. 

Jonathan, 204, 209, 210. 
Reverend f*eter, history of, 
quoted. 43, 155, 224. 
Whittliorn, William, 325. 
Whiitemore, Benjamin, S. T. D., 343. 
Wickapckct. IVaiapaket, W'acapticit, W'a- 
kapacet, Wacapacet, Wecapiikit, Wick- 
epocket, Wccapeket, 189, 190, 195, 196, 
203, 204, 205, 206. 218, 220, 286. 
WicKapimsec, 218. 
Wild-cat, 124. 
Wilder, Wyelder, Willder, Aaron, 346. 

Caleb, 6. 67, 214, 247, 339. • 

Carter, 346. 
Charles I^wis, 20, 299. 
David, 334, 338. 

Ebenezer, 177, 178, 188, 190, 191. 
197, 199, 200, 205, 206, 208, 209, 
210.211, 298,332,334. 
Ca])tain Ephraim, 141, 144. 146, 
152, 154, 156, 162, 166, 172. 178. 
ido, 186. 167, 189, 191, 197, 198. 

199, 200, 202, 223, 277, 318. 334. 

330, 337. 
Coionci James, 178, 180, 183, 184, 

186, 187, 189, 195, 197, i9h. 199. 

202, 203, 204. 205, 206. 2i>9. 210, 

290, 3". 328, 332, 338. 
Deacon Joel. 335, 330. 
)oel. 2d, 282. 
J<K-1, Jr.. 2d, 336. 
John, 108, 144. 158, 160. 161. 170. 

179, 183, 184. 190. 191, 204. 205. 

215, 244. 298, 317, 318. 3iy, 321. 
John. Jr., 244. 
Jonathan, 139, 152, 156, 165. 166. 

3^8, 319. 
Jonathan, Jr., 335. 
Judge Joseph, Senior, 6. 142. 154. 

171. 172. 176, 178, 179, 180, 184, 

186, 187. 188, 190. 191, 197, 199. 

200, 202, 205, 206, 208. 212, 213. 



364 



INDEX. 



I ■ 



318, 328, 332. 334, 337, 338, 339. 
Wilder, Judge uiid Colonel Joseph, Jr., 
171, 214, 334, 337, 338, 339. 
V Doctor Josiah. 319, 338, 339. 
Luke, 339. 

Lieutenant Nathaniel, 108, 117, 
124, 128, 136, 139, 141. 144, 146, 
152. 156, 261, 277, 281, 282, 298, 

318. 319. 321, 325. 328, 329. 
Niilliuniel, Jr., 202, 203, 204, 281, 

282, 318, 319. 
IJeutenant and Colonel Oliver, 

187, 196, 203, 204, 206, 224, 242, 

261, 381. 319, 329, 331, 333. 
Samuel, 338. 
Solon, 341, 346. 
Thomas, 24, 31, 69. 72, 73, 75, 77, 

79, 82, 88, 108, 247, 248, 260, 

271, 280, 281, 296, 297, 298. 
Thomas, Jr., 120, 121, 125, 127. 

144. 145, 153, 158, 160, loi, 164. 
170, 171, 172, 173. 197, 206, 209, 
212, 256, 298, 31B. 319. 320, 332, 

338- 
William G., 346. 
Wilds, ll'i/es, Joseph, 205. 

Richard, 205. 215, 243, 244, 332. 
WilUird, Aaron, 190, 221, 243. 

Colonel Abijah, 237, 337, 338.339- 
Abel, 333. 339. 

I^njimiin, 127. 12S. 142. 307. 338. 
llenr>', njj, 199, 200, 202, 229, 236, 

243. 272, 307, 319, 321, 330. 
liezekiah, 143. 173, 200. 319. 
Jolm, 143, 191, 2CX), 202, 209, 249, 
272,300,307,321. 
. Jonathan, 200, 243, 272, 31O, 319. 

Joseph, Esquire, 43, 66. 67, 126, 
137. 133, 145, 150. 164, 212, 335, 

Joseph, 200, 272. 314. 319. 

CJaptain Josiali, i9<-).200, 202, 209, 
222, 224, 243. 244, 272. 319. 

Joshua, 338. 

U'vi. 237, 338, 339. 

Moses, 220. 

Kiul, 338. 

Ca])tain Samuel, 171, 187, 199, 
200, 201, 203. 204, 205. 226, 234 
to 240. 241, 142. 2.f3. 244, 250, 

272, 299, 303. 319. 329, 331. 332, 

334. 337. 33^' 339- 
Samuel, Jr., 338. 

Major Simon, 15, 24, 33, 45, 46, 

47. 50. 5a. 60. 64, 65, 75. 77. 78, 

84, 85, 86, 89, 90. 92, 98, 108, 109. 



I 



122, 134, 247, 261, 263. 264, 270. 

271, 272, 283, 296, 2t»'i, 303, 314, 
315.316, 320, 322, 324, 329. 331. 
337. 

Willard, Simon, Jr., 143, 145, 272, 276. 

Williani, 338. 
Williams, Jason, 221. 
John. 222. 
Thomas, 128. 
Wilson, Benjamin, 202, 305, 332. 

Jeremiah, 144. 171. 173. i3P.. i.>«». 

249. 304. 305- 
Reverend John, 73. 

Joseph, 229, 242. 

Nnthaniel, 2O0. 305, 321. 

Windows in early houses, 58. 

Windsor. Ct., 202. 

Winnrpise()c:'»c, W'ifiipisockt't, W'nnir/'r- 

S€Ock«^\ \\'int!piseoikt-f, 130, 131, 138. 
Winslow, Kdward, "(Jiorious Proj^n^ss of 

the (Gospel," 16. 
Winter Harbor, 230, 242. 
Winter Plain, 271. 
Winthrop, Ciovernor Jolwi, "History of N, 

E. quoted," 10. 11. 12, 14. 
Wiser, James, alias Quanapaupj. 91. 100. 

139. 275- 
Witchcraft, 307, 308. 

Witherby, Jobiah, 244. 

Woburn, Houboinne, 123. i'>2, 221, 240, 

257, 2S5. 287. 292, 301. 302. 32T. 
Wolf pi.m, 21. 
Wolves, 21. 124. 128, 302. 
Won. an Indian Soldier. 243. 
Wonchesix, 121. 

Wonsqiion, Womsquam, lolin. 124. i^t,. 
Woodrop, \\'onddrofft\\<x\'<.'.XK'-\v\ William 

123. 340. 
Woods, Cjornct. {Henry), 120. 
Naac. 210, 221, 243. 
Jr)s.'ph. 243. 
MatilifW F.. 339. 
\V^V)nks^.'chocksctt. 1 1 'fnh<:iic->xt't, C/io,- i'- 

sctt, (Hsrc/iox,-fs, (.k.U'.hrri.*, V.^, 2I«>. 

22fJ, 260. 341. 342. 

Worcester, Wossrsft'r, 219. 
Writing School, 172. 175. 
Wright, Kbcnezcr. 229. 

Isaac, 322. 

John. 221, 329. 

Joseph, 22>> 

Captain Samuel, 177, 21 t. 23}. 
Wyman. Captain Honjamin, 335, jjh. 33 *. 
lJ*.'njaniin K, 202. 
Ca]jtain Sctli, 225, 22'\ 232. 233. 



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STANFORD UNIVERSITY UBRARIES 

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94305 


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